Missed Tackles

[flippy]

Overall the D seems to be improving compared to last season, but the one thing that still stands out is our ability to tackle. Maybe we've gotten better, but it still seems like we miss a lot of tackles.

If we made tackles more consistently, I think we'd immediately be one of the better D's in the league and trending to get even better.

Anyone know what gives? I don't remember a team missing so many tackles as we have these last few seasons. Perhaps the stats don't back me up on this, but these misses sure seem to stand out more than they ever have.

Curious if anyone knows if this is a league wide issue given the new rules around contact/practice? Or is it a Steelers issue? And how do we fix it?

[WindyCitySteel]

I see missed tackles in every game I watch. It's a lost art. A combination of trying for the Sportscenter hit, with a lack of fundamentals being taught in the limited contact time they have in practice.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Goodell has defenders thinking, as the ball carrier is coming toward him, "I can't hit too high or I get penalized and/or fined, and I can't hit too low or I get penalized and/or fined, so I'll just aim for the mid...oh crap...there he goes."

[NorthCoast]

Looking at 2013 & 2014 season stats, broken tackles were generally up about 50%. Expect 2015 will continue this trend but maybe not at the same pace as the last few years.
Offensive players are just bigger, stronger, faster..... it's tough. The positive? L Bell ranked 2nd in the NFL for RBs with broken tackles. Gotta like that.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Can't tackle as well when half your attention is focused on stripping the ball.

[pittpete]

The tackling in the NFL is getting pretty bad..
I think its because of the reduced hitting in training camps combined with wanting to deliver the big highlight reel blow.

[Djfan]

I can remember seeing Noll on the sidelines teaching players things during the games. He would get into stance, move, etc., to demonstrate what he expected fromt he players. I just don't see that anymore.

[Notleadpoisoned]

The bad tackling trend in the NFL makes me think that Gerrod Holliman might actually have a real future in the league someday.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Jarvis Jones would have had a pretty good game last Sunday if he had actually been able to make tackles.

And people blamed Mike Mitchell's tackling problems last year on his groins...wonder what the excuse is this season?

[Jigawatts]

And people blamed Mike Mitchell's tackling problems last year on his groins...wonder what the excuse is this season?

My guess is he's probably too busy thinking about what kind of celebration he's going to do after he gives up an 18 yard pass.

[feltdizz]

Jarvis Jones would have had a pretty good game last Sunday if he had actually been able to make tackles.

And people blamed Mike Mitchell's tackling problems last year on his groins...wonder what the excuse is this season?

yeah, I saw JJ miss a few tackles coming down the line hard as hell.

I think part of the problem is Gurley is a pretty strong RB and it's hard for one guy to bring him down.

[The Man of Steel]

That first Ravens touchdown epitomized just how bad our tackling problems are. Damn.