Can the Steelers defense return to elite form in 2023?

Will the Steelers defense be able to return to their elite form in 2023?

In 2022 the Steelers definitely didn’t have their best year defensively.Given the strength of The Steelers front 7 their pass rush is usually a killer for offenses, but in 2022 they ranked 3rd last in QB pressure percentage with only 17.4%. That is among some of the worst pass rushes in the league like The Bears with a 15.9% pressure rate and The Falcons with a 14.6% pressure rate This is Partially due to TJ Watt’s Pectoral injury, in week 1 of the NFL season TJ attained a Pectoral injury. His injury left him sidelined for 7 games. In this 7 game time table The Steelers were allowing an average of 25 points per game, had only 8 sacks and went 1-6. When he came back he was an absolute game changer for them. The Steelers allowed on 18 points per game, had 25 sacks and went 6-2 in the final stretch of the season.

It is clear the difference Watt makes on the football field, and assuming he is healthy for the entire 2023 season will this Steelers defense be able to return to their 2020 and 2021 form?

Well, with the absence of Watt ,3rd year outside linebacker Alex Highsmith stepped up to the plate, he had a career year for himself with 14.5 Sacks, which ranked 6th in the league. The team also lead the league in interceptions despite their inefficiency to get pressure on the quarterback. However, the team also lead their best cornerback in free agency, Cameron Sutton, who signed with The Detroit Lions.

As well as losing Sutton, The Steelers also lost both of their starting inside linebackers, Devin Bush and Myles Jack. Jack signed a one year contract with the team in the 2022 free agency window. Jack lead the team in tackles with 61, his contract wasn’t renewed and is still a free agent.

Despite all of these departures The Steelers were able to acquire a couple of solid replacements. To start, veteran CB Patrick Peterson was signed to a 2 year deal. Peterson can be a great mentor for the two new rookies cornerbacks, Trice and Porter. This is a young secondary but with the help of Peterson and all pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick I have faith they can be just as impactful as they were in 2022, when they lead the league in INTs.

To replace Jack and Bush, The Steelers signed 2 new linebackers in free agency, Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb. Both players are experienced veterans; Roberts being 29, and Holcomb being 26.

With the leadership of Cameron Heyward, I believe Rookie DL Keeanu Benton can be a force on the line. And, if Highsmith can continue to play like he did in 2022, and TJ watt can remain healthy, I have no doubt we will be seeing ‘Steel Curtain’ esk defense in 2022.