The Pittsburgh Steelers made several key moves over the off-season, but perhaps none was more important than the signing of linebacker, Myles Jack. After Jack was surprisingly cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Steelers reached out immediately to display their interest. Shortly after, the two sides reached a two-year, $16 million deal.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Myles Jack #44 of the Jacksonville Jaguars intercepts a pass intended for Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Just over a week into training camp in Latrobe, Jack has been one of the many standouts on defense thus far. His speed and overall skill at the linebacker position is essentially what the Steelers hoped fellow LB, Devin Bush, would become. Jack enjoyed some success against the Steelers in his tenure with the Jaguars, including an interception in the 2018 AFC Divisional game. Bush still has a chance to develop and improve, but the clock is running out. In an appearance on NFL Network with Kurt Warner and Scott Hanson, Jack discussed what it meant to become a Steeler:
"It was definitely a surreal moment to put on that Steelers black and gold for a second, but I'm getting comfortable in it. I love it man, it's a great look," Jack said via NFL Network. "It was a no-brainer for me [signing with the Steelers]. The d-line that they have, I get to play behind those guys. And then just the history behind a great football organization."
"To get to play behind that D-Line, I feel like it's gonna make my job that much easier."
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 3, 2022
New @steelers LB Myles Jack can't wait to get going this season. pic.twitter.com/YW6gHPBLsn
The tradition is awfully hard to beat. Arguably the most historic franchise in the NFL, many guys want to be a part of that rich history. That holds particularly true on the defensive side of the ball, where the Steelers have possessed some of the best defenses of all-time.
Jack's signing was much-needed, as veteran Joe Schobert didn't live up to expectations in his lone season in Pittsburgh last year. Coming off his torn ACL a few years ago, Bush struggled immensely in his return. Robert Spillane, who has split reps with Bush alongside Jack in camp so far, figures to be better served as a backup than a regular starter.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
With Jack now in the fold, along with a healthy Tyson Alualu and a few other off-season additions, the Steelers expect to have a top defense this season. Jack explained why his job will be easier in 2022, particularly playing behind the stout defensive front.
"The guys that I have in front of me with Cam Heyward, get to play behind that d-line. I feel like it's just going to make my job that much easier, and I just get to fly around and do my job and not have to be Superman out there. Just stay in my lane and do my job."
Now, just imagine if Bush can return to pre-injury form. It would help formulate one of the better linebacking duos in all of football. Those two would surely be the fastest duo at inside linebacker as well. That is, if Bush starts over Spillane, as it looks like a 50/50 split at the moment.
What are your guys' expectations for Jack in his first season with the Steelers? Will Spillane or Bush start alongside of him? Will the team's run defense return to form in 2022? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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