Historically, the strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense has been upfront. Stout, versatile defensive linemen who can move around their 3-4 front and edge defenders who can rush the passer, drop into coverage and set the edge.
Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 NFL defensive lines and for the Steelers, they have them at No. 8 based on last season. Here’s what they had to say about their ranking of the Steelers:
T.J. Watt is one of the most consistent playmakers in the league when it comes to pass-rushers, and he’s not a one-man-band on this defensive line. Alex Highsmith on the other side has developed into an outstanding player in his own right, earning a 90.3 PFF grade last season with 69 quarterback pressures.
Cameron Heyward has been outstanding for so long, but last season was the first sign that perhaps age is catching up with him. If he bounces back, the Steelers will be even better than this ranking.
While we agree that Heyward may not return to form this season after his injury and age but we are definitely not going to bet against him. Especially with a new contract in the mix. You add in Keeanu Benton with another year under his belt and this group has a chance to be special and far outplay this ranking.
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