JJ

[Slapstick]

Right now, the Steelers' D is only average yardage wise, but is a top 10 scoring D and a top 5 in sacks defense.

[WindyCitySteel]

Right now, the Steelers' D is only average yardage wise, but is a top 10 scoring D and a top 5 in sacks defense.

If they can plug the running game holes in the nickel package, they're golden. Not sure if they need to keep a NT on the field there, just get Shazier healthy, or both.

[phillyesq]

If they can plug the running game holes in the nickel package, they're golden. Not sure if they need to keep a NT on the field there, just get Shazier healthy, or both.

The run defense in the nickel package is still a concern. A lot of the Ravens success in the running game came against the nickel. I'm not sure what the solution is. You don't want to take Tuitt or Heyward off the field. Shazier returning should help, but maybe they need to experiment with some new groupings.

[steelfin]

I heard on Steeler radio that a couple of the long runs resulting from Timmons blitzing and leaving the middle of the field open...

Live by the blitz...die by the blitz...

[WindyCitySteel]

The run defense in the nickel package is still a concern. A lot of the Ravens success in the running game came against the nickel. I'm not sure what the solution is. You don't want to take Tuitt or Heyward off the field. Shazier returning should help, but maybe they need to experiment with some new groupings.

They're playing 2-4-5 in nickel. Keep McLendon on the field and take a LB off.

[Slapstick]

They're playing 2-4-5 in nickel. Keep McLendon on the field and take a LB off.

Or, go with a 2-5...Dom Capers uses that to great effect...

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

They're playing 2-4-5 in nickel. Keep McLendon on the field and take a LB off.

With Big Dan out, the team might be looking for opportunities to give McLendon a breather. Might be easier to keep him in once McCullers returns.

[Oviedo]

is a top 10 scoring D and a top 5 in sacks defense.

Must maybe there is a relationship here??????????? A QB on his back can't throw a TD. Sacks are NOT overrated as some want to insinuate.

[Oviedo]

I heard on Steeler radio that a couple of the long runs resulting from Timmons blitzing and leaving the middle of the field open...

Live by the blitz...die by the blitz...

Keep blitzing. You benefit far more than you don't

[steelfin]

Keep blitzing. You benefit far more than you don't

I am not suggesting that we don't blitz...only pointing out that aggressive blitzing can leave the defense vulnerable to big plays...

[phillyesq]

Must maybe there is a relationship here??????????? A QB on his back can't throw a TD. Sacks are NOT overrated as some want to insinuate.

For a defense, no, sacks are not overrated. For an individual player? There is a lot more to measure.

[phillyesq]

Keep blitzing. You benefit far more than you don't

Except where you lose the game.

[Oviedo]

For a defense, no, sacks are not overrated. For an individual player? There is a lot more to measure.

When a player was drafted for supposed pass rush capabilities and sack statistics then it is a key measurement of the success of that player. JJ was drafted to replace Harrison and to produce sacks from the primary sack position in our defense. That isn't happening and we did not draft him with the expectation that he wouldn't be getting sacks in year 3 and the other parts of his game are just adequately "violent"

[Slapstick]

Right now, the Steelers average 3.5 sacks per game and they play about 66-67 defensive snaps. Those sack numbers are pretty good given the time the defense is on the field.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Or, go with a 2-5...Dom Capers uses that to great effect...

That's not a nickel defense, though. You can only play the standard 4 DB's behind that.