The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

[steelz09]

Completely agree. We tend to run a 3-4 concept but utilize our players in a way that doesn't fit the 3-4.

It definitely leaves our LB exposed and it creates gaping holes for the RB and QBs to take off.

At a minimum, they better make and adjustment week-to-week based on the opposition. Especially, this week with the Ravens running game and Lamar Jackson. We need to keep him in the pocket and not leave the middle of the field wide open or it'll be a LONG day.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Facing Jackson, the best strategy might not be to try to sack him 8 times like you did with Andy Dalton.

Because if you whiff on a sack, or if an OLB's attempt at a speed rush runs himself out of a play and therefore loses his containment responsibility, then Lamar is capable of taking off for a huge gain.

In the grand scheme of things, it might be better to get some pressure on him and force him to make poor throws instead.

[Iron City Inc.]

We're better at man under cover 1. Problem with that against real good running qb's you turn your back in coverage. There is the risk. However you can box a defender for us either Edmunds or Bush n spy him on Jackson but that means our man across the board is exposed if the rush doesn't get there its trouble. Game inside the game.

[flippy]

Facing Jackson, the best strategy might not be to try to sack him 8 times like you did with Andy Dalton.

Because if you whiff on a sack, or if an OLB's attempt at a speed rush runs himself out of a play and therefore loses his containment responsibility, then Lamar is capable of taking off for a huge gain.

In the grand scheme of things, it might be better to get some pressure on him and force him to make poor throws instead.

I think you rush 3 and mix coverages and make Jackson beat you playing like Tom Brady.

[Northern_Blitz]

Completely agree. We tend to run a 3-4 concept but utilize our players in a way that doesn't fit the 3-4.

It definitely leaves our LB exposed and it creates gaping holes for the RB and QBs to take off.

At a minimum, they better make and adjustment week-to-week based on the opposition. Especially, this week with the Ravens running game and Lamar Jackson. We need to keep him in the pocket and not leave the middle of the field wide open or it'll be a LONG day.

I think we run much less 3-4 than a lot of people think.

...checks internet...

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2019/07/20/steelers-showed-balance-in-their-defensive-sets-in-2018/

In 2018, we ran:
Dime: 36% [3rd most in the league]
Nickel: 33% [11 teams across the league were in nickle 70% of the time]
3-4: 30%

3-4 was our 3rd most common formation in 2018 (although all three were pretty even).

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

We're better at man under cover 1. Problem with that against real good running qb's you turn your back in coverage. There is the risk. However you can box a defender for us either Edmunds or Bush n spy him on Jackson but that means our man across the board is exposed if the rush doesn't get there its trouble. Game inside the game.

Obviously the goal with Jackson is that if he is going to beat you, make him do it with his arm. I think with any pressure you push upfield while not abandoning the edges. I think that Bush is your spy. Therefore he stays in the middle of the field while LJ is in the pocket, thus also being there to cover the middle on crossing routes. I think that having Williams available helps with the running game.

[Oviedo]

In the grand scheme of things, it might be better to get some pressure on him and force him to make poor throws instead.

Agree 100%

[Steel Maniac]

We're better at man under cover 1. Problem with that against real good running qb's you turn your back in coverage. There is the risk. However you can box a defender for us either Edmunds or Bush n spy him on Jackson but that means our man across the board is exposed if the rush doesn't get there its trouble. Game inside the game.

Yeah but if they don't wrap up and tackle, does it matter? I"m seeing a whole lot of missed tackles.

[hawaiiansteel]

Seems like the defense was flying around. Barron, Dupree and Hilton especially.

Dupree was the only Steeler to get above 90% on the PFF rankings last week...