In what was probably the busiest off-season that SteelerNation has witnessed from the Pittsburgh Steelers, they signed a total of 11 players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Steelers front office addressed the team's pressing holes for the upcoming year, and filled those positions with players that have prior NFL experience, in hopes of continuing to keep up the winning tradition that the organization built its culture on. One of those particular positions that had been upgraded has been the middle linebacker spot, where the Steelers signed Myles Jack to be Devin Bush’s counterpart for the upcoming year.
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
Jack came from the Jacksonville Jaguars where he was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Jack is coming off back to back years in which he recorded 100 plus tackles (118 in 2020 and 108 in 2021) and during his tenure in Jacksonville, he combined for 513 total tackles with 6.5 total sacks, picking the ball off three times with four fumble recoveries. Although the four-year linebacker was never credited with a Pro Bowl appearance, he has done his job in making a name for himself across the NFL, enough to be named as a Second Team All-Pro back in 2020. Jack was a part of the Jacksonville team that eliminated the Steelers back in the 2018 playoffs, that made that deep playoff run. Other than that, he saw little success during his four-year tenure and showed his excitement about joining this prized organization, with a totally different culture:
“Coming from where I came from and then coming here, you see why this team is successful. The mission is clear, there's no secrets, if there is a problem it gets addressed right then and there. That is the only way to win, when everyone is held accountable. I enjoy it.”
As stated before, the Steelers signed Jack to be the starting inside linebacker along with Bush, and made that commitment pretty early following the release of last year's starter, Joe Schobert. The Steelers now have two inside linebackers who have showcased their ability to not only meet the running back at the line of scrimmage, but also be disruptive in the passing game as well. That all comes easier when you surround yourself with the talents that this Steelers' defensive group has. There is no doubt that this unit is going to be the heart and soul of the 2022 season and the success of this team is going to ride on their shoulders. Although it will be a challenge, it sounds like Jack is excited to see what can happen when he hits the field with his new teammates on arguably the most talented defense he has ever been on.
On playing alongside Devin Bush:
“Playing with him, seeing his strengths. Him running around getting the defense lined up, It's been great. Me and him have been working on different things just seeing how we see the plays. Its collaborative, when you have your other backer, you guys are almost attached at the hip. Whatever one backer does, you kind of have to back him up. We have done a nice job just talking to each other, it's been great.”
On playing alongside Cam Heyward:
“You can't put that into words. There's times where I just go back and watch the film from last year and he is just rag dolling other grown men. To play behind him, I don't think I have had too many defensive tackles like him. He is the man for a reason, and I am excited to play behind him.”
The Steelers can only hope that Jack can have continued success and more, especially being supported by the top tier defensive front that the Steelers do possess. There was a immense amount of excitement throughout SteelerNation when Jack decided to sign with the Steelers and that is because of his playmaking ability at the linebacker position. The Steelers have the potential to have one of the best linebacking cores in football next season, and I say that with a high amount of confidence. When you look at it, there are not many organizations that have the talent level this coaching staff has at their middle linebacker position, and all eyes will be on seeing the affect that Jack has on this defense this upcoming season.
Myles Jack on becoming a Steeler, Cam Heyward, playing at Heinz Field and more. pic.twitter.com/YyI9enZgeG
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) June 4, 2022
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