Steelers Defensive Preview

D-Line-

The good news is that Aaron Smith looks to be healthy and ready to return to his dominant form. This teams run defense suddenly became atrocious last year when Smith went down. It's my contention that Mr. Smith is not only this teams most important player in stopping the run, but it's most important overall. Laugh if you want, but who would you argue is better at his position on this team? ( if you're thinking Polamalu you're dumb) Casey Hampton is fatter and older than ever. He had a very average year at best in 07'. We'll see if he can return to form, or if hes on the down slope of his career (more than likely). Brett Keisel was the biggest disappointment on this team last year. All preseason we were told about how Keisel was gonna be this "rover" type player. "We can move him all over the field and he's just gonna play havoc on opposing teams" Blah Blah Blah. Maybe I missed all the "big" plays Keisel made last year, or maybe he's just what the Steelers thought he was when they drafted him, a serviceable lumberjack that can be a marginal 3-4 D-end on an above average defense. Zing! It's also important to note that the depth on the line is worse than the Pirates pitching depth in the minor leagues. So, if anyone goes down lookout.


Linebackers-

Linebacker is definitely the strength of this defense once again. Tomlins greatest move as Steelers head coach thus far has been the selection of Timmons and Woodley first and second overall in the 07' draft. LaMarr Woodley had 4 sacks (tied for third on the team) (sad) in very limited playing time last year. He's poised to have a breakout year as a full time starter. We'll see if he can adequately take over for the now departed, no doubt first ballot hall of famer Clark Haggans. ( I've heard that when he retires they're going to waive the waiting period, ya know, like they did for Mario). The other OLB position is even more solid with returning starter/beast/pro-bowler/domestic disputer James Harrison. Harrison is the craziest man in a helmet on Sundays and he should have another pro-bowl year. In the middle you've got James Farrior who's just signed an extension which I admit seems a bit odd for a 33 year old middle linebacker. But, its a cap friendly deal that looks like its purpose is to reward him for the great seasons he's had in the black and gold (almost won defensive player of the year in 04') and for being this defenses leader on the field and a gentleman off it. He deserves it, and he should be nothing short of very solid once again. The second inside spot is all Lawrence Timmons for the taking. I know Foote will start the year at this spot with Timmons rotating in, but I don't see him starting past the bye week. Foote is a serviceable linebacker, and he's certainly over achieved during his career here in Pittsburgh, but its obvious that Timmons has the pedigree to be great. It was clear through 4 preseason games that Timmons is far superior in pass coverage, and he has the speed to get to the quarterback.

Defensive Backs-

This teams defensive backfield is a bit of an enigma. It's hard to judge the actually man coverage ability of the corners when they're constantly playing a soft cover three. Shoeless Ike Taylor will again be this teams #1 corner. Ike has shown flashes of being a solid corner, but inconsistency and hands of stone have found him wading in mediocrity. Deshea Townsend is ,to every ones amazement, probably the most consistent of the cornerbacks. He plays smart, is a great tackler, and while he doesn't have top end speed, he has the ability to "shave steps" which allows him to make plays on the ball. We're all still waiting for Bryant McFadden to validate his being a second round draft pick in 2005. He was all but handed the #2 job in training camp last year, yet he couldn't outplay Deshea. I suppose he's an average nickleback, but a second round pick shouldn't be a nickleback in his 4th year. William Gay showed good instincts last year and is a good option as the fourth corner. He could find himself moving up the depth chart sooner rather than later. Led by yinzer favorite Troy Polamalu, the safeties are an above average group. I don't mean to downplay Troy's ability, but hes certainly overrated by both the local and national media. He's a phenomenal athlete but he's too often out of position and looking to make the big hit instead of just making a tackle. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he returned to his form of a few years ago. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if he was hurt by week 3 and played sporadically the rest of the year. Ryan Clark is also solid at the free spot. He, like Deshea is a surprise starter playing in front of a second round Bill Cowher pick that hasn't lived up to the billing (read Anthony Smith). How many shitty second round picks can you make? Clark shows the ability to cover up for Troy when he's being Troy (read out of position). Ty Carter has the ability to back up both safety positions. Anthony Smith should back up Polamalu as he seems completely clueless when playing free safety and his want to always make a big hit would fit in perfectly behind Troy.

Overall-

This defense is still above average and should be in the top 12 in both statistical categories. It's an aging defense, and no matter what happens this season, they must address the depth issues on the line next off season and take a look at upgrading at corner. I'll say 9-6-1 this year which will be enough to win the worst division in the AFC. Probably a home loss in the wild card round to, oh I dunno, Jacksonville.