Steelers' 2024 Defense Could Land Among Pittsburgh's Greatest, A Generational Core Of Talent: "I'm Really Excited"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their smothering defenses. Those units, with names like "Steel Curtain" and "Blitzburgh," wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. The Steelers have had so many defensive squads rank at or near the top of the rankings each season that it has become an expectation in Pittsburgh. That's why it doesn't surprise anyone that the current black and gold defense is the most expensive one in the league. 

However, despite all the money the Steelers have been spending on their defense the past few years, they aren't ranking as highly as they should. In 2023, the group was plagued with injuries, and the ongoing weakness of the inside linebacker position continued to create holes. However, they spent the offseason filling in some of those holes, including signing inside linebacker Patrick Queen to the biggest free agent contract in the franchise's history. 

These improvements have longtime Steelers reporter Jim Wexell excited about what's to come. Wexell joined Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Christopher Carter on his podcast, Locked on Steelers. He already has faith in stalwart players like TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, and Wexell thinks that the players they added to the secondary should free Minkah Fitzpatrick up to prowl the backfield. 

Carter asked Wexell just how good he thinks this defense can be. Does he see it measuring up to the ones of 2020, 2019, or 2010 with all the additions? Could this be a generational defensive core?   

"Yes. I think so. I got a quote that [Troy] Polamalu said the 2008 defense was better he felt than the 2010 because the back end was strong. He said the back end is important. That's what we're talking about with Minkah staying in the back end, Cam Sutton, Donte Jackson, Joey Porter Jr., [Damontae] Kazee is the number four so there's depth."

Wexell elaborated on his thoughts on the depth, saying that even if Cole Holcomb can't return until partway through the season, he is not too worried. He feels that Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts can fill in.

The 2023 draft class helped the Steelers fortify their defense, much like the 2024 class helped strengthen the offense. Wexell said concerns are minimal, and the only real need is a number four outside linebacker. 

"I'm really excited about this defense. They have a lot of depth on that defensive line. The only part that's missing is Cam Sutton for a little bit. I think TJ is going to be on a rampage after getting disrespected last year. You don't need to motivate TJ Watt any more than he is, and Highsmith's better. Highsmith's going into his fifth year. I mean he's just coming into his prime."

This is a positive, considering the Steelers did not perform that well in 2023. They were ranked 21st in total defense, 17th in passing, and 19th in rushing. In the red zone, the Steelers were able to shut down opponents, ranking 5th overall. They tied for 6th in scoring defense, but that fell apart in the playoffs, where they allowed four touchdowns. 

We can't forget that offense is a genuine factor here. The Steelers' defense had weaknesses, but those areas were exacerbated by the fact that the unit could barely get off the field. Pittsburgh's inconsistent offense could not sustain drives, and the defenders were wearing down. 

Is The Steelers' Defense In Trouble?

When the Steelers re-signed Cam Sutton, they knew that at least a six-game suspension was coming. The NFL recently announced that they decided to have him sit out for eight weeks, two weeks longer than the minimum, after Sutton was accused of domestic violence.

Sutton brings familiarity and ease to the team, having spent most of his career in Pittsburgh. However, the team will have to figure out how to fill the gap while he is suspended. The concern is that this leaves the secondary at an exploitable disadvantage.

Do you agree that this defense has the potential to be a generational-type unit? Click to comment below.

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