The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2022 season with a ton of question marks and youth all over the place in the locker room. Ben Roethlisberger's retirement leaves a void at a key position on the field, and while Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky have some experience, the soon to be beginning of training camp is giving flashbacks of the 2004-05 season when Bill Cowher's team was 15-1 through 16 games.
The lack of experience from Roethlisberger during his rookie season was not a fault to the team because of the unstoppable nature of the defense. Troy Polamalu, Aaron Smith, and Joey Porter had incredible seasons, but Mike Tomlin's team desperately needs someone to step up like James Farrior did 18 years ago.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Steelers Defense Was Led By Farrior In 2004
Farrior had a Pro Bowl season with 95 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and three sacks. This was the underrated linebacker's best season as a pro and he led the defense allowing just 81.2 yards per game against the rushing attack (which was best in the NFL at that time). The defense was the #1 ranked unit in the league and Farrior's play allowed for a young Roethlisberger to make the occasional mistake, but be backed up by the defense.
While Farrior was criminally underrated throughout his career, he was recognized as the team's MVP after the season and cemented his legacy with Steeler Nation for years to come.
While Farrior had been a part of the Steelers organization for two seasons prior to this historical one, he landed in Pittsburgh via free agency. Kevin Colbert went out and signed Myles Jack back in March and he could be the exact guy that the franchise needs on the defensive end.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) participates in the organized team activities (OTA's), Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
The linebacker remained healthy most of his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and had 226 total tackles in his last two years. He joins a team that struggled mightily against the run last year allowing a league-worst 146.1 yards per game on the ground. The play of Devin Bush has been scrutinized by many and Teryl Austin's crew needs someone to step up on the second level if they want to improve in 2022.
Jack also comes into town with the quarterback situation in limbo. None of the three have the experience Roethlisberger gained over his 18-year career and there will be several weeks that the defense is going to win games this year. Farrior added a defensive touchdown for the Steelers in '04 and Jack could have the opportunity with the pressure T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith will apply on opposing team's signal-callers.
There are several playmakers on the defensive side of the ball and that is why Jack may fly under the radar, just like Farrior did so many years ago. The inside linebacker position hurt the Steelers in 2021 and a monster year from Jack could be exactly what the team needs if Tomlin's group wants to turn heads and perform better than what many people are expecting. Defense wins championships and the signing of Jack has the potential to be one of the best grabs of Colbert's career.
Do you think Jack has the potential to have a season like Farrior did back in '04? Let us know in the comments below!
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