How big of a scheme problem do the Steelers have on defense?
Over the past several weeks, several defensive players have cited scheme issues as part of the Steelers’ struggles. In recent games, they have supposedly simplified some things, a response to the new safety tandem. They have also varied their coverages, yet the complaints haven’t stopped.
Perhaps the most vocal has been Patrick Queen. He basically said that at times the Steelers’ scheme puts the defense in no-win situations, with more routes to cover than players in the area to defend them.
The Steelers thought they put together some sort of superteam on defense this offseason, of which it has shown only trace glimpses. It doesn’t help that they lost DeShon Elliott and moved Jalen Ramsey to safety. But Darius Slay didn’t pan out, and the front seven hasn’t been consistently stout against the run. Teams are neutralizing the pass rush by simply getting the ball out quickly.
For a team with a coaching staff full of supposed defensive gurus, we shouldn’t be hearing players cite faults in the scheme in November. Or really any other time. If the Steelers’ defensive players think there is a schematic issue, there is a schematic issue. Obviously, most players, at most times, will deny it. But we’ve seen enough cracks in the wall of silence to suggest there is frustration behind the scenes.
While every play, in theory, comes down to how you execute it, some plays demand far more of you. If you have two players covering three routes in a zone, you’re banking on luck at that point. So are the Steelers making any defensive adjustments to address these issues?
Mason Rudolph said that they are adding tweaks on offense to help put them in better plays in late-game situations. What are the Steelers doing on defense to put themselves in better plays? The biggest issue seems to be a lack of flexibility to adapt on the field to what the offense presents. If you can’t match what’s happening in front of you, your margin for error is incredibly low.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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