NT unit thin

[whisper]

Reading this gives me NO confidence the NT spot is up to par.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/steelers-approach-nose-tackle

There is a plan, though. Head coach Mike Tomlin made it known that the team does have players who can fill the nose role on defense, but it may not be as conventional as years past.

"There is no question that we have some candidates," Tomlin told media on Saturday. "Obviously, that is a position that was manned by Javon [Hargrave] for a number of years. Last year, he was backed up by Dan McCullers. He is back on our roster this year. We have added some young men in this process. We have some veteran guys that are nose capable, like Tyson Alualu."

Are they actually considering Big Dan as the possible starter and think that might work out?

The guy has been in the league for how long and can STILL only play for 3 plays until he is spent? And THAT's our plan at NT?

And I like Alalalalu at DE in a 3-4, or a DT in a 4-3, but he's not a legit NT, whoever thought he was?

Or is the 7th rounder gonna be our guy? This is not OK. I don't care if we play less 3-4, WE STILL DO PLAY IT and when you do you must have a legit NT. Without it, you have no chance. I feel they are taking the position too lightly. MISTASKE. Tomlin's comments give me no confidence. What happens when we face Chubb, Dobbins, Henry, Barkley, Elliott, Fournette? We better have a better plan than Big Dan and Alalalalua.

[Oviedo]

What percentage of downs do we actually play with a true NT on the field?

I'm not sure its that much an issue and the players we have in a rotation will be fine

[whisper]

What percentage of downs do we actually play with a true NT on the field?

I'm not sure its that much an issue and the players we have in a rotation will be fine

I don't know the actually #'s but all I know is when I am watching games, I see plenty of 3-4 sets. AND, in the past 20 years, anytime we had a top 5 D, we had a stud at NT, either Hampton, Steed, etc. Maybe a "tweener" S/LB will fix it all.

[Buzz]

After Hargrave leaving, NT is a big question mark, IMO. Will Carlos Davis or Coatney be able to step up? We don't yet know, but chances of a 7th rounder/UDFA being able to adequately replace Hargrave are kind of low, I would think. I'm mildly surprised that the team didn't address this need higher in the draft or with a veteran FA. Yes, the guy will only be needed for a minority of defensive snaps, but sometimes, those could be mighty critical plays. We will see.


Also question marks with safety depth and at ILB after Barron left. Our D could go from awesome to average in fairly short order if we have a couple of glaring weaknesses that opponents figure out how to exploit.

[feltdizz]

What percentage of downs do we actually play with a true NT on the field?

I'm not sure its that much an issue and the players we have in a rotation will be fine

well, I think teams will put us in situations where we play more NT if we are weak at the position.

Tuitt should be back so maybe it won’t be much of a concern?

[Buzz]

well, I think teams will put us in situations where we play more NT if we are weak at the position.

$$$$$$

Tuitt should be back so maybe it won’t be much of a concern?

Chances are good that at least one of our better DL players will get injured and have to miss some games during the course of the season.

[whatever]

What percentage of downs do we actually play with a true NT on the field?

I'm not sure its that much an issue and the players we have in a rotation will be fine

If we address NT later, make sure you don't say it was a great move.
Take a stand and criticize the team for wasting a pick, wasting money or wasting a roster spot.

[feltdizz]

$$$$$$


Chances are good that at least one of our better DL players will get injured and have to miss some games during the course of the season.

Yup. Hopefully Tuitt can make it though a season.

I think we will add another body.

[feltdizz]

If we address NT later, make sure you don't say it was a great move.
Take a stand and criticize the team for wasting a pick, wasting money or wasting a roster spot.

He said “I’m not sure it’s that much of an issue”

which implies it could be if the team makes a move.

why are you so set on absolutes when it comes to discussing the team?

[Iron City Inc.]

So here are the numbers for our 2019 defense from my bud Kazora: Nickel ...47.2% 3-4 28% Dime 15.9 % 1 5 5 sub pack 3.7% 1 4 6 sub 1.6% 4-3 1.6% and for goal line .2%.
So lets look at how this shakes out today. Depth is Big Dan n Alualu to start. Former raven Wormley (6 5 300) is listed as a nose on web page even though to me he is more of a 5 tech. As mentioned Coatney and Davis are on the roster and Taylor the f/a from Kentucky is bigger then big Dan.
Too, guys like Damian Harrison are still out there along with other vets that will not make the cut so prior to week 1 regular season we got time to go through who can n cant play the O. And as mentioned Tuitt n Cam on occasion can play the O and we could slide one of the other options out to 5 tech if there better suited there.
We have time to work the group n see how it shakes out.

[whisper]

$$$$$$


Chances are good that at least one of our better DL players will get injured and have to miss some games during the course of the season.

I think it's Heyward's turn to be injured all year. But I sure hope not.

[Northern_Blitz]

What percentage of downs do we actually play with a true NT on the field?

I'm not sure its that much an issue and the players we have in a rotation will be fine

I think it's about 1/3 of the time (when Hargrave or Big Dan was on the field).

They chart it at the Depot and I think Alex says it's between 300 and 350 snaps. And I think they said it's been fairly consistent for the last few seasons.

Also: I like the irony of the thread title.

[Buzz]

Also: I like the irony of the thread title.

I guess, compared to Casey, they're all a bit thin

[whisper]

I guess, compared to Casey, they're all a bit thin

And a bit worse. That dude was a cornerstone. But dang, he was a load.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think they start the season with Tuitt-Alualu-Heyward across the line. The way Tuitt played early, Heyward finished the year, and Alualu's solid play, call them whatever you want. they are good, tough, and have athletes behind supporting them in Bush, Dupree, and the other guy #90. If they stay healthy this is a very good front 7.