The obvious Pro Football Focus (PFF) hate for the Pittsburgh Steelers continued on Tuesday when the site released rankings for the top secondaries in the NFL. The Steelers weren't just last in their own division and conference, but ranked one of the worst in all of the NFL. The secondary, which allowed roughly 234 yards per game in 2021, sits at #28 on the list.
"The Steelers' secondary is one of the most veteran-laden groups in the NFL, with every player heading into their fifth season or later. That simultaneously gives the unit a high floor because of what we’ve seen the players do and a low ceiling because of, well, what we’ve seen the players do. There’s just not an impact player in this secondary after Minkah Fitzpatrick."
Meanwhile, the other three teams in the AFC North land within the top 10.
Top-10 secondaries in the AFC, per @PFF_Mike pic.twitter.com/diMCNi6MfA
— PFF (@PFF) June 28, 2022
Steelers Put Into Tier 4
The secondary for the Steelers was placed in tier four of the PFF rankings. This tier as labeled as a unit with serious flaws.
Mike Renner of PFF was in charge of the rankings. If this was about rushing defense, it would make sense as the Steelers were in the bottom half of the league in 2021, but this is about a secondary that was middle of the pack in passing yards allowed per game and interceptions.
Not to mention, one can argue the secondary will be better in 2022. The loss of Joe Haden stings, but the addition of Levi Wallace, last season's late emergence of Ahkello Witherspoon, and verified stud and newly signed, Minkah Fitzpatrick lead a secondary that certainly has a chance to be in the league's top 10 in 2022. Not to mention solid returning veterans such as Cam Sutton and Arthur Maulet.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon (#25) during a home game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA back in 2021. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
It almost seems like PFF knows how to get under the skin of Steelers fans and that is why players and units are consistently ranked at the bottom half of rankings and lists. The team was in the middle of the pack last season statistically on defense, and even were ranked higher in certain categories. Allowing only 186 first downs was due to great plays from the secondary and good for eighth in the NFL.
Joe Haden wrap-tackles ball/player a yard shy of the first down on the Tennessee Titans' final play. (Photo: George Walker/The Tennessean, USA TODAY Sports)
Haden is no longer a Steelers player, but his stop was one of many for the secondary in 2021 and the group will only improve in 2022. The 28th rankings is not only shocking, but somewhat foolish given the fact that teams like the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions are ranked higher. Both of which were in the bottom 10 in the league last year in passing defense.
What are your thoughts on the latest dig at the Steelers from PFF? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
