Change is coming to the Steelers’ defense, where the name of the game seems to be, as in other places, versatility. Even T.J. Watt, perhaps begrudgingly, has come to accept it, admitting he has been stubborn in the past. Preferring to rush from one side, he sees the fight has become a lost cause. Because under Patrick Graham, nobody has the convenience of remaining static.
“This new system, I really can’t say no”, Watt said via the Steelers’ website, about moving around the defense. “A lot of us are interchangeable parts. You’re not just learning your position. You’re going to have to learn the whole defensive front structure. I think you’re gonna see a lot more movement out of not just me, but the whole front”.
Flexibility and versatility have been two core concepts in Pittsburgh’s personnel assessment under Mike McCarthy. We saw that as a heavy theme play out in the draft, for example. At the moment, we’ve talked most about it in the secondary for the Steelers’ defense. According to T.J. Watt, however, the front seven is far from excluded.
And that’s hardly a surprise, given what we’ve already heard from other coaches. Just looking at the line, the Steelers are clearly seeking flexibility at the front of the defense. It’s what attracted them to Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency. DL coach Domata Peko already wants to move Keeanu Benton off of nose tackle and Yahya Black into it.
Now, with the Steelers keeping Nick Herbig for four more years to wreak havoc on defense, they almost have no choice but to find creative ways to deploy all of their pass rushers. While many of the elites largely stay on one side, others move around. In the past, Watt has felt that he functions best on one side, but now it’s what’s best for the defense. One look might not be optimal for him specifically, but it might be beneficial for the unit as a whole.
In the secondary, the obvious versatile piece on the Steelers’ defense is Jalen Ramsey. He is capable of playing anywhere in the defensive backfield, but they have also talked about using Jaquan Brisker in a variety of roles. Now, Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean probably won’t be doing too many creative things, but Watt didn’t say everybody is interchangeable.
How this plays out in reality, or rather on the field, of course, remains to be seen. We can imagine the Steelers defense will use the 3-OLB package again, this time with pass rushers who can stay healthy. They’ve wanted to use it before; the biggest impediment has been availability.
With the Steelers, Patrick Graham has the most talented and versatile defense he’s ever worked with. Mike McCarthy is tasking him with figuring out how to cook with all the ingredients he’s been handed. From the sounds of it, we can expect the unexpected. Or at least, that’s what the Steelers’ opponents should expect.
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