It's no secret that the Steelers' offense has to improve in order for this team to get back into the playoffs. However, with the money invested on the other side of the ball, the defense must be one of the better units in the league. And, it all starts up front in the trenches.
Welcome to the fifth edition of our 2023 Steelers positional preview, in which we will break down and preview each position on the roster to get you ready for that wonderful first training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
Throughout this series, we'll take a look back at how each position fared in 2022, how that position was addressed in the offseason and wrap up with how it looks heading into 2023. Of course, the roster can still go through some changes between now and when the roster is cut down to 53 players. But, this will help give you a better understanding of how the team is shaping up heading into the season and how realistic it is for them to get back to a playoff chase or maybe even a division title.
Previously, we've broken down the offense into four groups: Quarterbacks, running backs, receivers/tight ends and the offensive line. Now, we turn our attention to the defense. While the Steelers' edge rushers are technically linebackers in the team's 3-4 scheme, I'm lopping them in with the defensive line since they play on the first level of the defense nearly 100% of the time.
2022 IN REVIEW
The Steelers went into the 2022 season looking to assert their dominance up front after a horrid performance against the run in 2021. And, they couldn't have gotten off to a better start in the season opener at Cincinnati. Not only did the defense hold Joe Mixon to 3.0 yards per carry, but they sacked Joe Burrow seven times. The pressure up front was relentless all game long, which also helped force five interceptions.
However, superstar edge rusher and defending Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt suffered a pectoral injury near the end of the game, putting a huge damper on the 23-20 upset victory in overtime. While the Steelers dodged a major bullet as Watt's injury kept him out seven games instead of ending his season, the defense had to then adjust without its best player.
Those adjustments had plenty of rough patches. The run defense struggled mightily in the latter stages of losses to the Browns and Jets in Weeks 3-4. While they improved on the dreadful mark of 146.1 rushing yards allowed per game in 2021, the defense wasn't satisfied with 117.9 yards allowed per game on the ground over the first eight games of the season.
And, after racking up seven sacks in Week 1, the Steelers recorded only eight sacks over the next seven games while Watt recovered from his pectoral injury and underwent a minor knee procedure. Malik Reed, who was acquired via trade prior to the season to serve as a third option behind Watt and Alex Highsmith, didn't produce during that time, recording only one of those sacks -- his only one all season.
When Watt returned in Week 10, the defense showed its true potential, even though Watt wasn't nearly 100% until the final two or three games of the season. After those eight sacks in seven games without Watt, the defense recorded 25 sacks over the final nine games. That allowed the defense to run four- and five-man rushes much more often while still being able to apply pressure on the quarterback:
The run defense also got drastically better, allowing only 99.4 rushing yards per game. A pace like that would have made them the fourth-best unit in the NFL against the run. But, they still still finished No. 9 in the league against the run, which was a massive jump from being dead last in 2021.
It's impossible to tell any story of the 2022 Steelers without overly stressing how Watt's injury affected the whole defense. Yes, he still managed to play in 10 games. But, he was 100% healthy for maybe a total of three of those games. That's a huge reason why he only recorded 5.5 sacks in those 10 games. It took him quite a while to build up the strength and conditioning required to perform at the Watt-esque level we've grown accustomed to in Pittsburgh.
Fortunately, Watt's partner in crime took another step forward in his career. Highsmith had a breakout season, recording 14.5 sacks and tied for the league lead with five forced fumbles. That earned him All-AFC honors by the Pro-Football Writers of America (including a vote from yours truly).
There's no doubt Highsmith was more productive with Watt on the field (11 sacks with Watt playing, 3.5 sacks without). However, it doesn't mean he wasn't effective. In fact, Highsmith averaged 2.3 quarterback hurries during those seven games without Watt, while averaging only 1.9 QB hurries in the 10 games with Watt. He still made his presence felt in the backfield. Pressure on the quarterback isn't exclusive to sacks.
But, more than anything, we saw a better version of Highsmith overall in 2022. He just has a nose for getting to the quarterback:
That's obviously something the Steelers love.
Cam Heyward still proved to everyone that he's an elite defensive tackle, regardless of his age. Ten and a half of the Steelers' 40 sacks belonged to the defensive leader in the locker room, and he rightfully a sixth trip to the Pro Bowl. One might argue that he was robbed of an All-Pro honor, and the real robbery came when he wasn't awarded with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award after the season for his work in the community.
After a multi-year contract fell through with the Bears due to a failed physical, Larry Ogunjobi came to Pittsburgh via free agency on a one-year deal and performed well next to Heyward, recording his best grade on Pro Football Focus since his rookie season in 2017. But, Ogunjobi's overall presence on the field what hit and miss as he battled through injuries all season long. While he played in 16 games, Ogunjobi played at far less than 100% for the majority of the season.
Chris Wormley was a productive third interior defender, specifically against the run. He earned the second-highest grade on PFF among the Steelers' interior defenders. However, his season was ended emphatically when he tore his ACL in the Week 14 loss to the Ravens at home.
Rookie DeMarvin Leal flashed a lot of promise, but his season was limited to 11 games due to a midseason knee procedure. He helped fill Watt's void on the edge, but also subbed in as a more natural 3-technique defender after Watt returned. He was more effective in the latter role.
After an intriguing rookie season in 2021, Isaiahh Loudermilk fell off the radar in 2022. He earned a helmet only 11 times, and did very little to move up the depth chart in those limited opportunities.
Nose tackle was a bit of a mess in 2022. The Steelers run with two down linemen more often than not, but they'd still love someone who can help clog the middle when they're in the base 3-4 defense or any heavy sets in short-yardage situations. Tyson Alualu lost his starting job very early in the season, and Montravius Adams didn't necessarily assert himself as a regular.
THE OFFSEASON
Addressing the defensive line was one of the more important things on Omar Khan's list, with trying to re-sign Ogunjobi as one the priorities. While he battled injuries in 2022, the Steelers loved his presence in the locker room and what he is capable of on the field when he's healthy. Khan managed to keep Ogunjobi in the fold, signing him to a three-year, $28.75-million contract.
With Ogunjobi back in black and gold, the Steelers' primary front four -- Watt, Highsmith, Heyward and Ogunjobi -- remained intact. Then, it was on to address the depth behind them and the nose tackle position.
Of course, in today's NFL, versatility along the defensive line is key. There aren't many traditional nose tackles or space eaters, but guys who have the size along with the speed and quickness to line up anywhere between a 0- and 4-technique. Thus, the Steelers looked for versatile players.
Perhaps the most versatile and impactful addition didn't come via free agency, but in the draft. The Steelers selected Keeanu Benton with their 49th overall pick, adding a college nose tackle with the size and speed of being able to play multiple techniques. What's really intriguing about Benton is his developing traits as a pass rusher. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in his final season at Wisconsin.
Two under-the-radar additions in free agency that could be in the 2023 mix are Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts. Fehoko is a traditional space eater in the middle with a nose for stuffing the run. Watts is a bit more versatile with eight career sacks in four seasons, with five of those coming in 2021 with the Vikings.
.@chargers @breidenfehoko4 suddenly the interior of this #Bolts defense is better and more sound when Fehoko plays the NT. Suddenly the big runs that has shredded this defense aren’t happening #polynesianpower #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/3dtyUZ551t
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 19, 2022
Leal and Loudermilk are still under rookie contracts, so there was some depth already in place. However, Wormley became a free agent at season's end, and still has yet to sign with a team. Adams is still under contract, but has much more competition this time around.
At edge rusher, the Steelers primarily looked for another candidate to fill in as the third option behind Watt and Highsmith, and landed on free-agent signing Markus Golden. He comes in with a much more accomplished resume than Reed did, recording 47 sacks over his eight NFL seasons.
The Steelers also drafted Nick Herbig (younger brother of new offensive guard Nate Herbig) in the fourth round of this year's draft, adding more quality depth and upside to edge rusher. But, before any thoughts of Herbig possibly becoming the edge rusher of the future beyond Highsmith, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2023, the Steelers locked up Highsmith to a four-year, $68-million extension.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2023
Ideally, the Steelers want to get after the quarterback more than anything. This is a passing league, and disrupting the quarterback leads to drive-killing sacks or even takeaways.
But, these aren't the Dick LeBeau defenses running zone blitz after zone blitz. They want to be able to get after the quarterback with the least amount of players possible, giving the second and third levels of the defense a better chance at defending the pass. And, with the talent they have up front, rushing five is more than enough.
Much of what the Steelers want to do relies on the dynamic duo of Watt and Highsmith. If they stay healthy, they're one of the best duos at edge rusher in the NFL. And, despite his age, Heyward is still playing at a high level. And, with an even deeper group on the interior, Heyward's aging should be better managed, thus keeping him effective. That gives the Steelers a lot of strength all across the front of the defense.
The depth created by Khan in free agency and the draft is really intriguing. This is already a formidable group. But, adding a mixture of rookies and veterans will force the cream to rise to the top. Guys such as Loudermilk and Adams had competition last season, but will have even more of it this year. Giving Mike Tomlin more options during training camp and the preseason is a very good thing, and the Steelers have a lot of them.
Tomlin stresses to his players that it is a "reasonable expectation" to be a guy on the rise. With the money invested in Watt, Highsmith, Heyward and Ogunjobi -- nearly 26% of the Steelers' 2023 salary cap -- it's a reasonable expectation for this group to be the strength of the team.
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
Interior Defenders:
• Cam Heyward
• Larry Ogunjobi
• Keeanu Benton
• Armon Watts
• DeMarvin Leal
• Breiden Fehoko
Instead of separating these players between "nose tackles" and "defensive ends," I'm calling them all interior defenders. Really, all but Fehoko are able to play multiple techniques. Thus, interior defenders makes the most sense to me, especially since the Steelers line up in their nickel defense (two-down linemen, two edge rushers, two off-ball linebackers and five defensive backs) more often than any other package.
Heyward and Ogunjobi are the starters, with Benton as the first choice for either a 3-technique sub in the nickel defense or as the nose tackle in the base 3-4 defense. Watts and Leal will get their snaps, too, and Fehoko could earn a roster spot to help solidify the size inside since the Steelers play in the AFC North.
Edge Rusher:
• T.J. Watt
• Alex Highsmith
• Markus Golden
• Nick Herbig
Watt plays on the left and Highsmith plays on the right. That's simple. Golden and Herbig will battle it out for the first guy to tag in when either one need a breather, but I'm giving the early advantage to the veteran. Even though Herbig might end up profiling as an off-call linebacker eventually, the Steelers are trying him out on the edge to start things off. He'll also likely see snaps on special teams early on.
2023 STEELERS POSITIONAL PREVIEW SERIES
Previously...
• Quarterback
• Running Back
• Wide Receiver/Tight End
• Offensive Line
Still to come...
• Inside Linebacker (July 24)
• Secondary (July 25)
• Special Teams (July 26)
