The Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp in just two days in Latrobe on July 26th. The Steelers have fallen under the category of already being counted out in most NFL analysts' eyes, but doesn't that happen every off-season? This off-season is different, though.
The Steelers are transitioning into a "new era" and have a lot to prove. There are a lot of questions left unanswered currently and we know the battle at the quarterback position will most likely rule the headlines when training camp gets underway this week. What are some other storylines for the team going into this upcoming season?
Linebacker T.J. Watt just won AFC Defensive Player of the Week, but the schizophrenic Steelers D is just as likely to give up a big play as to make one. The concerning implications of the defense's dual personality disorder are a problem in Pittsburgh. (Photo by the Pittsburgh Steelers)
NFL Network reporter, Judy Battista was asked that very question when she appeared on a recent segment on the league's network.
"I'm looking at the defense, which despite having a great deal of star power, had a little struggle last year, especially against the run," Battista stated, answering the question. "And how are they going to mend that this year? It was a problem last year. Certainly you've got TJ Watt, an outstanding pass-rusher. They have star players on that defense. But can they tighten up on this defense, especially in a division where we know there is firepower?"
Twitter: @NFLGameDay
"And you might have an offense that, let's be honest, might not score as many points, because you have an unfamiliar quarterback situation now," Battista continued on the network. "So the defense, especially against the run, is going to have to tighten up. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season; remarkable. I'm interested to see if he can continue that with a brand new quarterback."
The team's run defense is a very valid area of concern for the 2022 Steelers, due to such an awful year against opponents' rushing attacks a season ago. The team finished dead last in the entire NFL against the run in 2021 due to not being able to fill the void left by Stephon Tuitt and the early loss of NT Tyson Alualu. However, to answer the question that Battista posed during the NFL Network segment, yes, they can absolutely tighten up this season.
The organization made some moves to counter the retirement of Tuitt, so they're more prepared to attempt to fill his void this season than last. Alualu is aging and coming off of a season-ending injury in 2021, but getting him back and healthy should do wonders for the Steelers defense against the run, especially.
On September 10, 2017, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Insert DL Larry Ogunjobi to help fill the void left by Tuitt. The team signed the former division rival to a bargain deal late in the free agency period after the official retirement announcement of Tuitt. Ogunjobi was one of the bigger names entering free agency and initially signed a lucrative contract with the Chicago Bears, before the deal fell through due to a failed physical.
That's another storyline to keep an eye on as we get closer to training camp, Ogunjobi has to get healthy, first and foremost, and then we can worry about him filling the void left by Tuitt. He could really establish a presence upfront for the team's defense in 2022 and be a big part in mending this squad's biggest weakness from a season ago.
Check out the full segment here!
What are yinz thoughts about keeping an eye on the Steelers run defense going into training camp next week? Let us know in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
#SteelerNation
