After the Steelers' defense was torn apart, yielding 34 points in a 51-34 loss to the Packers last week, they turned it around with a strong showing in a 16-6 home win Saturday over the Titans. While much has been made about how Keith Butler is molding the 2018 defense, speed, quickness and overall youth have been a major focus. Instead of going for big run-stopping linebackers, the Steelers have opted to use faster options like Jon Bostic, Matthew Thomas and L.J. Fort.
Mixing that group with the Steelers' new crop of safeties showed a glimpse of what Butler's plan has been with the new look of the defense:
TWO-MINUTE DRILL
• Where scheme beat team: The Titans' offense has multiple weapons who pose threats as quick or speedy players that can break open in space if left unchecked. Dion Lewis, Corey Davis, Derrick Henry, Taywan Taylor and Tajae Sharpe all can get loose and they have a mobile quarterback in Marcus Mariota to spread defenses out and force them to cover more ground.
That posed no problem for the Steelers as they limited Mariota to just five completions on eight attempts for 43 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. The key for the Steelers' success was their coverage personnel being on the field more. That happened because the Steelers shut down the Titans' rushing attack, allowing only 42 yards on 20 carries. In those situations, the Steelers would use their normal 3-4 personnel that includes Vince Williams and Bostic as the primary inside linebackers.
However, once the Titans were in second-and-long or third-down situations, Thomas would come in for Anthony Chickillo and L.J. Fort would see more time with the second team. This group was successful in limiting the Titans' best plays to passes that hit the soft seams in the Steelers' Cover-3 schemes. But, when their receivers tried shallow crosses, screen passes and underneath routes, the Steelers were there to bring down the ball carrier and prevent the easy completions from turning into big plays.
Take this play as an example. Thomas had to pick up Anthony Firkser crossing over the middle of the field. Though Firkser makes the catch and gains the first down, Thomas is right with him and immediately stops his momentum to limit the gain to only four yards. While that may not seem that important, it's the kind of coverage the Steelers haven't had when teams have completed those passes and turned them into 20-yard gains:
Mike Tomlin made tackling a major emphasis of training camp, both in the box against the run and about the field while covering the pass. "Tackle the ball" was the common phrase he would use after a play was finished and he saw safeties and linebackers covering down the field. Being able to run with receivers is one thing, but also having the team fly to to the ball when there's an underneath pass is another key aspect.
Watch this screen pass to Dion Lewis. Mariota tries to find a quick way to offset a Steelers pass rush that kept disrupting the Titans' backfield. Lewis has been a player who has gained 80 yards on 14 touches (2017) and 120 yards on 19 touches (2015) in recent seasons with the Patriots against the Steelers.
Much of that came from the Steelers not being able to swarm to him when he got the ball in open space, but they fly to his position as soon as he gets the ball on this play. Notice how both Williams and Bostic close in and remain in good defensive stances to box Lewis in, and even Stephon Tuitt gets into the chase before Thomas comes in and makes the tackle for only a two-yard gain:
Mixing that with the six sacks the Steelers' defensive front provided made for a tough day for the Titans' offense. Mariota is a quarterback who has led his team to the playoffs by spreading defenses with his legs and picking apart the soft parts of the schemes he faced, while hoping playmakers like Delanie Walker would bust loose and gain extra yards. That's been a common theme that has tormented the Steelers in years past, and was a complete non-factor in their preseason showing against the Titans.
If this aspect of the Steelers' defense can become a consistent feature, opposing offenses won't be able to rely on low-risk passes and safer plays to create bigger moments. Taking away those opportunities for quarterbacks will force more challenging throws down the field, which open up more chances for the pass rush to get home and the coverage to create turnovers.
• All about the tackling: The defense missed four total tackles, and the only egregious miss came from Coty Sensabaugh when he missed on Blaine Gabbert in open space. Overall, the team was finding the ball quickly and putting the ballcarrier down consistently all game:
Thomas continues to find the ball, leading the team with seven tackles in 31 snaps. That means he found the ball almost 23 percent of the time he was on the field without missing a single tackle. Fort continues to show strong numbers with the backups as he notched four tackles in just 21 snaps, including a tackle for loss. Fort looked like he solidified his place on the team.
Bostic looks like the run stopper he was brought in to be, going a second straight game without a missed tackle. This time he had four tackles, finding the ball almost 15 percent of the time he was on the field.
What should be most exciting for the Steelers is how Edmunds was all over the field. He recorded tackles against the run, while covering the pass and breaking from coverage to chase down Mariota. He did all of that without missing a tackle despite covering a lot of ground as a safety.
Had a big play or a decent game
Very impressive, multiple big plays
Elite performance
Gave up a big play without redemption
Total performance was a disappointment
Horrible, inexcusable
QUARTERBACKS: B+
Ben Roethlisberger:
The Steelers finally saw their starting quarterback play in the preseason and, in three drives, he produced a touchdown with a perfect 32-yard strike to Justin Hunter. Roethlisberger struggled early last season with deep passes, missing players like Martavis Bryant on several big-play opportunities in the first half of the year. The Steelers' offense can open up more space for the running game and shorter passes if teams have to respect the deep ball on any given play.
Mason Rudolph:
Finishing the day with seven completions on 11 attempts for 65 yards doesn't do Rudolph justice for the positives he showed. The Titans were bringing pressure in various measures but he remained poised in the pocket and escaped when necessary. He was sacked only once and never turned the ball over. Last week, we talked about how sometimes he committed too hard to his initial read, leading to the interception he threw against the Packers. This week, he was much more patient and cycled through his progressions consistently and looked confident.
RUNNING BACKS: B
The Steelers saw the most youthful of their running backs shine as both James Conner and Jaylen Samuels carried the load against the Titans. Conner struggled on the ground but made up for it as a receiving back. Samuels shined in both aspects of the offense.
Jaylen Samuels:
Samuels got tested with a total of 15 touches for a total of 77 yards. He had a nice cutback run that gained 18 yards and was featured with seven consecutive touches in the Steelers' first drive of the third quarter. The Steelers have decisions to make as to which backs they will keep. Samuels is competing with Fitzgerald Toussaint and Stevan Ridley for the last spot among the halfbacks. As Dale Lolley wrote in his final roster prediction, Samuels made a strong case to be a part of this team.
James Conner:
Conner only had 18 yards on 10 carries, but he made up for it by making six receptions on six targets for 52 yards. If Conner can develop into a back who can catch the ball out of the backfield, his future with the team is that much brighter.
Roosevelt Nix:
Nix was used sparingly with seven snaps, but he asserted his presence in the game with several good lead blocks and a 12-yard reception.
OFFENSIVE LINE: B
The first team didn't establish a presence on the ground, but they did do a great job of providing protection against a Titans defense that produced 43 sacks last season. That number tied for fifth most in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. The depth offensive linemen showed up and opened some holes for Samuels, while also giving Rudolph time for most of his dropbacks.
B.J. Finney:
Finney continued to show his value as both a guard and a center in the middle of the offense. If Ramon Foster doesn't come back for the season opener, the Steelers are in good hands. If he does, Finney will be ready to help anywhere on the interior line.
R.J. Prince:
Prince would've graded higher had he not given up the lone sack against the Titans. But his strong play in the running game shouldn't be ignored. He showed several instances of strong play as a pulling guard, sealing to create lanes for Samuels to run. Though he probably won't make the team, he might earn a practice-squad nod if he can have another good performance against the Panthers.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: C+
This group had been the best of the team in the previous two games but didn't shine as brightly against the Titans' deep secondary. A few drops and not-as-sharp routes by players who were stars in the last two games prevented them from being the dominant group they've been the past two weeks. But, they still made some nice plays to extend drives.
Justin Hunter:
Though he had a pass ripped away that ended up being an interception, Hunter made the play of the game when he beat Adoree Jackson on a fly pattern and tapped his second toe in bounds for a 32-yard touchdown from Roethlisberger. His big-play ability is why the team signed him last year and may be good enough to keep him around in 2018.
JuJu Smith-Schuster:
Though he had six catches for 46 yards, he also had two bad drops. He was wide open for, and he bobbled the other and had the ball swatted away by his former USC teammate, Jackson, on fourth down. Not a horrible performance by any means, but not his best, either.
Damoun Patterson:
Despite playing 25 snaps, Patterson was only targeted twice and had zero catches. He was not getting open enough in the second half and his performance stopped the momentum his previous success had built for his chances to make the team. He will have to show more in the final preseason game to make what's tough competition for the wide-receiver room.
Darrius Heyward-Bey:
Not a single target in 16 snaps and it's looking like the oldest receiver on the team is being phased out of the offense. Though he could still make the roster for being a contributor on special teams, and still possesses serious raw speed, Heyward-Bey is being challenged by young talent.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINE: A+
The Steelers' defensive front terrorized Titans quarterbacks and played a huge part in the team shutting down the running game. Almost every snap you could see one or more players pushing his man into the backfield and giving the Steelers' linebackers space to work and attack the ball. Even when the line wasn't making plays for themselves, they were opening up chances for others.
Stephon Tuitt:
This was the showing the Steelers wanted to see from Tuitt. After not doing much against the Packers, he was a wrecking ball to the Titans' offensive line. On the first two plays of the game, he broke through the line each time, almost getting a sack the first time, and finishing the job with a sack on the second play from scrimmage.
After so many times of beating the man in front of him, Tuitt started to draw double teams, thus opening more lanes for teammates. Take a look at Vince Williams' sack here, where his lane opens up nicely for an easy one:
If Tuitt plays like this throughout 2018, the Steelers' defensive line will be in good shape.
Cam Heyward:
Also bullied the Titans' line a lot during the game. Had a sack on his own and mirrored the production of Tuitt. In other words, "Heyward doing Heyward things."
Javon Hargrave:
Notching four tackles and adding to the group's drive that changed the line of scrimmage consistently. He's the piece that completes this unit if he continues to improve, especially against the run.
LINEBACKERS: A-
This group was a big reason the team shut down the run against the Packers. They had a repeat performance against the Titans, allowing only 42 yards on 20 carries. They also helped against the pass in both pressure and coverage, as we showed above in how they contributed to Butler's scheme.
Jon Bostic:
Bostic continues to be strong against the run and communicates line switches well. He had four tackles on 27 snaps, meaning he was around the ball almost 15 percent of the time he was on the field. He looks comfortable and ready to start the opener.
Vince Williams:
Williams followed up his new contract extension with a sack and three tackles. He also looks comfortable after his first full season as a starter.
Bud Dupree:
The Steelers' most experienced outside linebacker didn't add a sack to his resume, but he did perform well against the run and created pressure against the pass. His pressure is what chased Marcus Mariota out of the pocket and forced the bad throw that led to Terrell Edmunds' interception. He also did a good job at the point of attack despite only recording one tackle.
LJ Fort:
Fort continues to have a strong preseason with four tackles in 21 snaps, including a tackle for loss and a hit on the quarterback. Fort has developed a nose for the ball and seems to be in the right place at the right time more often than not. He found the ball on 19 percent of the snaps he played and had what could've been the best play of the game when he stripped the ball from Dalyn Dawkins on a reception over the middle.
Fort was in position to make the tackle, but once he made contact, he reached in for the ball and pulled it loose, eventually grabbing it and running back 50 yards for the score. But, the play was whistled dead after officials ruled that Dawkins' forward progress had stopped. Though it was a questionable call and a tough break for Fort, he showed everything that Tomlin is looking for from his inside linebackers.
Matthew Thomas:
Thomas looked good again, leading the team in tackles with seven on the day. He also didn't miss any. The Steelers have even been confident enough to put Thomas on the field for passing downs with the first team, making him an outside linebacker who drops back in coverage in a 3-3-5 defensive formation. Thomas is going to get a roster spot, and he's earned it. The defense needs to be faster than it has been and Thomas fits that mold for a depth player.
Ola Adeniyi:
Another sack added to Adeniyi's preseason resume and a good showing overall. Adeniyi has been at his best when engaged with blockers and using various pass-rush moves to gain leverage on the edge. Though he did miss a tackle, Adeniyi's three tackles show he's getting off his blocks and becoming a nuisance to offenses. He might just make this roster as their depth edge rusher.
SECONDARY: B
This group had the biggest recovery after getting picked apart by the Packers' offense. Led by two interceptions from rookie safeties and consistent coverage throughout the game, this group stepped up and showed that they could be a significant part of the 2018 campaign.
Terrell Edmunds:
The rookie showed up in a huge way, recording four tackles and a big-time interception off Mariota. Edmunds was drafted for his explosiveness and ball skills, both of which were on display. Early in the game, Mariota scrambled outside the pocket for a chance to gain big yards, but Edmunds broke from his zone coverage assignment and closed on Mariota fast enough to force the quarterback to slide and only gain a single yard.
Those types of plays are the small things that coaches like, but plays like his interception are the ones that everyone notices. What was key about his interception was the combination of his recognition of what was happening and the burst he showed to make the play. Watch this angle. As you can see, Corey Davis runs in front of Edmunds on a crossing route just as Mariota starts rolling to his left. Edmunds has a zone in the middle of the field, but he runs with Davis with the knowledge that Mariota is right-handed and will be looking for Davis since he's under pressure:
Edmunds does a great job of sticking on Davis' back shoulder as soon as the crossing route comes over the middle of the field. Davis is one of the faster young receivers in the league and not easy to keep up with, but Edmunds trails him nicely and jumps the pass for the interception. He even does a good job in the return by getting up and running for extra yards. A good showing from the rookie.
Marcus Allen:
Allen only played 13 snaps, but he recorded three tackles and an interception in that time. Though in a real game, he should have batted down the fourth-down pass so his team would get better field position. It was still a good example of him high-pointing a ball and making a big play for this team. The Steelers are looking for a fifth option at safety behind Davis, Morgan Burnett, Edmunds and Nat Berhe. Allen's competition is Jordan Dangerfield and Deshaun Phillips, and neither has had an outstanding showings so far.
Jordan Dangerfield:
Dangerfield only saw 11 snaps and didn't make any real plays with his time on the field. Though it wasn't horrible, he needs to hold off Allen to maintain his roster spot. He had the inside track because of his experience with the team, but that might not be enough if Allen has another good game.
Coty Sensabaugh:
Didn't have a particularly good day in coverage and had the biggest whiff of the game when he was shook off by Blaine Gabbert in open space. His roster spot should still be safe because he is still a competent cornerback in the slot and outside the numbers.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The final preseason game is next and all that is left are some position battles at the bottom of the depth chart:
• The running back battle is between Toussaint, Samuels and injured Stevan Ridley. Samuels has the inside track right now because he's a rookie. That means he is cheaper and can be developed. Keep an eye out for who gets the most touches and how each player performs against the Panthers.
• After Antonio Brown, Smith-Schuster and James Washington, the Steelers do have some battling to do for the final two or three wideouts. Hunter's touchdown shows that he can still be a big-play receiver and that may earn him a spot. Heyward-Bey's experience and savvy on special teams makes him an interesting candidate, too. Two young players, Patterson and Marcus Tucker, are also making a push for playing time. The Steelers have been leaning toward keeping young players as of late.
I would say Hunter and Heyward-Bey are still the players who hold the spots, but if Patterson or Tucker has a good last week of practice and game, this could really be a toss-up. Remember, the Steelers kept six wide receivers in 2017 after they saw their depth chart crumble behind Brown in the 2016 playoffs. So, they might keep six again this year with that memory in mind.
• Linebackers are complicated because the Steelers are now diversifying how they use this group. Outside linebackers aren't just edge rushers -- or even 3-4 edge rushers who drop back into coverage -- they're now asked to be faster and quicker in space to help against the short passing game while also being strong against the run. Outside of the obvious keepers in Williams, Bostic, Chickillo, T.J. Watt and Dupree, Thomas and Fort might be shoo-ins to make it. But, the Steelers need depth at outside linebacker and Adeniyi is competing with 2017 seventh-round pick Keion Adams. Meanwhile, Tyler Matakevich has gone from running with the first team at the beginning of mini-camp to getting all of his 31 reps with the backups against the Titans. I say Matakevich is still in the mix, while Adams might be hitting waivers with hopes that he signs with the practice squad.
• The secondary is a group with a lot of youth to comb through. Knowing that Burns, Haden, Hilton and Sutton are safe for cornerbacks, and Burnett, Davis, and Edmunds are set at safety, that leaves an interesting group to pick from. Brian Allen has been a favorite for his prototype build for a cornerback and being a young fifth-round pick. He should make it. Sensabaugh would've been the one to lose his spot, but no training-camp body has stepped up at the position to warrant him being cut. Safety is the aforementioned battle between Dangerfield and Allen with Phillips being the longshot.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
Steelers vs. Titans, Heinz Field, Aug. 25, 2018. - MATT SUNDAY / DKPS