The Steelers' 17-10 loss to the Bills on Sunday night featured several positive and negative angles to explore and break down with the film. But one aspect of the game that won't get much attention was the performance of their top rookie.
Devin Bush has made plenty of splash plays in 2019, but he had also been susceptible to fundamental breakdowns like the touchdown he surrendered while covering Jack Doyle against the Colts. After playing more than 89 percent of the Steelers defensive snaps through most of the Steelers' first eight games, Bush's snaps had diminished.
But against the Bills, he played 54 of the defense's 65 total snaps, representing 83 percent on the night. He showed why his role should revert back to seeing a higher percentage of the team's defensive snaps:
Bush finished the game with four tackles, two of which were for losses. But each showed how much ground he could cover and his ability to tackle in space. Watch how he dissects this run by Devin Singletary, where Bush works right to the intended gap and wraps up the play:
The Steelers' defense used to struggle with talented open field runners. Singletary and Josh Allen both are good at making players miss once they accelerate. Bush's athleticism allows for him to close down on runners in open space and make natural tackles that don't force him to sell out by leaving his feet or making riskier attempts.
Here's an example of that when Allen tried to convert with his legs on third down. He broke through the Steelers' stunt twist and was being chased by T.J. Watt, but watch Bush's approach. He comes up from protecting the sticks in coverage and breaks down into a solid defensive stance before making the tackle:
Cam Heyward and Javon Hargrave do a solid job of occupying offensive linemen enough to free up the Steelers' linebackers so they can make plays. That plays right to Bush's strength as he knows how to use his speed and quickness.
When Ryan Shazier was in his early days at linebacker he would often run too far into a hole and give up his gap assignment. Bush rarely overplays his role and has a solid balance of how to stay in the hole but also be aggressive enough to make the play.
Watch how he brings down Frank Gore for a loss. Heyward occupies two linemen to free up Bush, who jumps outside of Gore's path to force him inside. Once Gore cuts up, Bush finishes the play with a tackle:
Bush isn't overextending himself to make plays, he's playing within Keith Butler's scheme while still using his impressive burst to cut down potential big plays. Watch how he works to shut down this run as Heyward takes on another double team.
Singletary looks to find space to cutback when he sees Heyward holding down the double team, but Bush is too quick as he breaks through the line and tackles Singletary before he can find space to cutback against:
Bush is a vital part of this defense's future and his development has been something I've watched closely each week. He's shown a lot of raw potential with the two interceptions, four recovered fumbles and one forced fumble during the season. But the Steelers needed to see him play within their team and be their alpha-tackler that dominates the middle of the field.
In the Steelers' final two games they'll face Le'Veon Bell, Mark Ingram and potentially Lamar Jackson again. Bush's growth in this department could be vital to the team closing out those games.
MORE CLASSROOM
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Dec. 13: Offense’s fate on the line
Dec. 12: Hilton’s case to stay
Dec. 11: Johnson’s X-factor
