The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has had to shoulder the burden of the team's inept offense once again in 2022. At times, the defense has performed to its abilities. Often times though, they have failed to do so. Most notably, the team faced two blowout losses to the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles in the month of October. There are several motivating factors for their disappointing performance, beginning with key injuries to safety, Damontae Kazee, and edge rusher, TJ Watt early in the season.
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Those two have combined to play just one game, but the team will get them back after the bye week. Kazee must be activated off the IR list next Thursday, the 10th. All signs are pointing to him being activated, and Watt will return to the lineup as well. The two will bring different skill sets back to the lineup at a much-needed time. Additionally, general manager, Omar Khan just traded for cornerback, William Jackson III on Tuesday.
Jackson will play in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, although it's unclear just how much up to speed he will be. Defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin told media on Wednesday that it was certainly a possibility that Jackson would start. That would be a huge boost to a secondary that's underwhelmed all season long, including the cornerbacks who have suffered several injuries. Ahkello Witherspoon's struggles mean he's likely the one that will lose a starting spot to Jackson.
Austin is in his first season as the team's DC, so the unit could be still adjusting to his different philosophies from Keith Butler. Sitting at 2-6 heading into the bye week, a trip to the postseason seems quite unrealistic at the moment. The Steelers would likely have to go 8-1 in their final nine games to have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs.
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 02: William Jackson III #3 of the Washington Commanders gets set against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 2, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Because of that, the rest of the season will seemingly be a measuring stick for the future of this team. A guy like William Jackson III will be interesting to watch, as his performance will dictate whether he stays on the team next season. As for Kazee's likely return, as it hasn't been officially announced or hinted at yet like Watt, he brings a physical presence in the secondary. It seems they have missed that kind of piece on the back end at times this season.
Watt, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, continues to show why he's the most valuable defender in the league. Without him over the past two months, the Steelers pass rush was nonexistent. Malik Reed, whom the team acquired from the Denver Broncos before the season, didn't fill in as well as expected. Their 15 sacks are tied-for-21st in the NFL, not what we're accustomed to seeing out of a Pittsburgh defense. Watt will help quite a bit in that department.
Are you optimistic about this defense for the second half of the season? Do you think the team has any shot at making a potential playoff run? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below!
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