Hilton and Alualu

I don’t think I would agree with that. Shazier was playing at a much higher level than Bush when he was hurt. Bush really wasn’t playing at an insane level it’s just that the drop off from him to Spillane is quite noticeable.

 

Wow our defense was eerily similar statistically in 2017 lol. Number one in sacks, 10th in rush, 5th in pass, 7th in points. Major difference is turnovers

 

Shazier was fantastic that year

 

For all the hell he got to start the season, Minkah is the difference-maker on this defense. In the past, our secondary had issues coming up with the takeaways, as long as Mink is there, he'll make the grab or timely turnover on a consistent basis.

 

This. Completely agree. Shazier WAS our playmaker. Add a healthy Shazier to this defense and you'll see an elite-elite defense - he was that good. Bush has been so good but he's not on the same level... yet.

 

I love Shazier and he was starting to get it, but I believe because of the injury he’s been elevated to elite status by Steeler Nation.

 

He had legit issues with run defense but it's hard to argue his pass defense and his ability to find the ball for a takeaway.

 

Imagine bush AND shazier side by side

 

8==============================================================================D

 

Shazier wasn't elite at the time of his injury, but he was coming along nicely. The potential was there.

 

Agreed, but people around here complained about him nonstop. The word "Bust" was used often.

 

Bush is probably a better tackler, but he didn't cover as much ground or play the pass nearly as well as Shazier. Shazier's tackling technique was terrible, which was also part of why he was injured.

 

Sometimes his tackling form was perfect, and that combined with his speed and range made him look unstoppable. Other times he'd either overrun the play/ball carrier or dive in low with his head down and get side-stepped, or worse.

 

Williamson was more than just a depth signing. He is going to get significant playing time moving forward. Fans want Spillane to become another Yinzer hero like Shell or Harrison. I know I did but based on what I've seen he will likely be what he should and that is a back-up and special team player. That isn't a knock on him. An undrafted player out of a small school making an NFL paycheck is his reward for his hard work, study and perseverance. Root for him, I do. I also thought he'd be more than adequate as Bush's replacement but he simply is not. Williamson has the physical upside and experience to make more plays and that's why the Steelers went after him.

Right now, they just have to get healthy. And their secondary needs to tackle better. Too many 7 yard gains are turning in to 15, 20 yard gains and that is unacceptable. They can get away with it against lesser teams. They will get run out of the stadium against KC or even against Cincy.

 

5 more tackles and a sack. You got no spillaning to do.

 

Right now, they are

 

Good one