Steelers' Elandon Roberts' Stellar Performance Against The Falcons Should Make Fans Very Excited About The Inside Linebacker Group In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers completed a perfect 2023 preseason with their 24-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. While these three wins do not actually count for anything, there is an immense amount of excitement regarding this team as the Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers draws closer. Much of the praise, and deservedly so, will be awarded to Kenny Pickett and the Steelers' offense, as the first-team quarterback took part in five drives over the course of the preseason and found the end-zone every time. However, fans should be equally as excited about the defense. More specifically, the inside linebacker positional group. 

It is no secret that the Steelers' front office was displeased with the level of play from their inside linebackers in 2022. The three players who played the most snaps in the role this past season, Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Robert Spillane are all gone. In place, the team brought in Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, and Kwon Alexander to fill the void. So far, it has been clearly evident that the new trio will serve as upgrade over the 2022 group. 

All three have seen significant playing time during the 2023 preseason. Alexander, who signed with the Steelers in late July, has arguably had the most impressive performances and has positioned himself nicely to be a featured component of the defense this upcoming season. His ability to cover receivers in space and willingness to make plays at the line of scrimmage make him an intriguing option to be an every-down player for the Steelers in 2023. With that being said, this playing time will not be handed to him on a silver platter, as Roberts was undoubtedly the best inside linebacker in the victory over the Falcons. 

Steelers Have A Plethora Of Options At Inside Linebacker

While it is yet to be seen which two off-ball linebackers will open up the regular season as starters, there is no denying that the team should feel confident in this crop of players. The top-three of Alexander, Holcomb, and Roberts all have their own unique strengths and will collectively give the Steelers what they need from this positional group. Roberts, who complied two tackles for loss and a sack against the Falcons, has already embraced his role as the unofficial leader of the inside linebacker room and is poised to prove he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. 

The belief during the 2023 offseason was that Holcomb is entrenched as one-half of the starting inside linebacker duo. While he likely still is, the strong performances from both Alexander and Roberts will make things interesting to see which players will see the most playing time this season. Ultimately, the situation the Steelers find themselves in regarding their level of play from their off-ball linebackers is a good problem to have, as it was a tremendous weakness for the unit in 2022. 

Regardless of who ends up taking the field at inside linebacker on the defense's first series against the 49ers during Week 1, fans should breathe a collective sigh of relief that that the front office finally opted to place emphasis on brining in players who are willing and able to play aggressive, downhill football. Alexander, Holcomb, and Roberts will seek to elevate the level of play for the entire defensive unit in 2023. It will be a lot of fun to watch these three studs suit up for the black and gold once the games actually start mattering.

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

What are your overall takeaways from the 2023 preseason? Which two inside linebackers will receive the most playing time in 2023? How excited are you for the regular season to be here? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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