Yes, we all know, the Pittsburgh Steelers declined the 5th-year option on Devin Bush's contract this offseason, which will make the linebacker an unrestricted free agent next year. Rightfully so, but that could be a mistake with the pieces the Steelers have laid out in order for Bush to improve and get back to his rookie year campaign. Even the several games he played in his 2nd year, the former Michigan standout looked like a stud and another great Steelers linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush (#55) participates in the organized team activities (OTA’s), Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
The linebacker has received criticism that has been fair following last year's play. His play just didn't cut it, but I don't think "couch coaches" realize just how hard it can be to bounce back from an ACL tear, like the one Bush had. However, you begin to question more when former Steelers start to chime in.
Former Steelers' running back, Merril Hoge absolutely throttled Bush on 93.7 The Fan last week.
"I just think you gotta cut bait there. He is who he is. He doesn’t play with great instincts."
That's just a small sample of everything that Hoge had to say, going on to say about Bush:
"He’s not a very good football player."
While I can agree that Bush's play was awful last season, I don't agree that Bush just isn't a very good football player. Someone that isn't a very good football player doesn't magically put up 109 combined tackles (72 of those solo tackles), 2 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss, 1 touchdown, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB Hits, and 4 fumble recoveries in a rookie campaign, especially on the NFL level. Those kind of statistics just don't happen by chance. The linebacker has the ability, we've seen it already. It's just more about getting back to the basics after a catastrophic injury dismantled his career trajectory. It's okay, Steeler fans, help has arrived to help aide Bush in bouncing back to his rookie year form.
Pittsburgh Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers coach Brian Flores participates in the Organized Team Activities(OTAs), Tuesday May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers' hired a great football mind when they hired Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers coach Brian Flores. Like Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Flores is just a leader of men with a passion for football and people. If anyone can help Bush bounce back, it's Tomlin and the addition of Flores working directly with him in the linebacker room.
Flores spoke about Bush this offseason:
"Devin is obviously very talented. He's a smart kid," Flores said. "I've had a good rapport and good conversations with him. I'm excited to keep working. This is not something that you talk about on second day of veteran mini camp and then jump on the field in September. It's something that you build towards and work at daily. He's doing those things.""The physical part, he looks good out here," Flores said. "He's moving around well...It's early in the process. So far, he's done a nice job." Flores went on to say, it's hard to judge a linebacker without pads on.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Devin Bush (#55) participates in the organized team activities (OTA’s), Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Of course, reporters have probably asked members of the Steelers' coaching staff thousands of times this offseason about Bush's play and if he can improve, but new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has chimed in on the matter as well.
“In my experience with guys who tear their ACL, they’ll play the whole year but they’re not the same guy until the second year,” Austin said on Bush. “We’re hoping to see that uptick in his performance. We want to see the guy before his injury.”
Bush himself has had discussions with the media about feeling more confident this season than last year.
“I’m feeling confident, I’m getting back into the groove of things, as in going out there and knowing expectations and getting a chance to go out there with a whole new mindset and just play football again, honestly.”
JSKO_PHOTO (Twitter)
The Steelers may not have picked up his 5th-year option, but they have surrounded him with a solid group of coaching and a running mate in Myles Jack. Those two things paired with Bush regaining confidence in his knee and ability will allow for a bounce back in year 4! Here We Go!
What do yinz think? Will Devin Bush bounce back this season? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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