NFL 2023: Pittsburgh Steelers Making Physicality A Priority

For more than a handful of seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for their ability to rush the passer and the heroics of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The latter was not the case in 2022 as the 18-year veteran said goodbye the previous season.

Over the last few seasons, Mike Tomlin’s club has not only struggled to consistently run the football but had its issues stopping the opposition from doing the same. From 2018-21, the Steelers finished 31st, 29th, 32nd and 29th in the league, respectively, in rushing yards per game. Conversely, the club ranked sixth, 14th, 11th and last in the NFL, respectively, in stopping the run. That formula hasn’t helped the team’s cause in the club’s last four playoff appearances.

Back To Basics

This offseason, Tomlin and new general manager Omar Khan – with an assist from assistant GM Andy Weidl – have showed their hand. The NFL Draft is later this month. The Steelers have certainly added their share of veterans via free agency. It’s worth noting that the franchise has addressed both sides of the football without signing any skill position players on offense. Up front, the newcomers include guards Isaac Seumalo (Eagles) and Nate Herbig (Jets), as well as tackle Le’Raven Clark (Titans).

On the other side of the football, inside linebackers Cole Holcomb (Commanders) and Elandon Roberts (Dolphins) and joined by safety/linebacker Keanu Neal, late of the Buccaneers. Nose tackle Breiden Fehoko (Chargers) adds depth up front. Ball hawk Patrick Peterson (Vikings) joins a team that tied for the NFL lead with 20 interceptions.

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Making Strides

To be fair, the Steelers bounced back from a morbid showing in 2021, running the ball better with physical Najee Harris while making strides in terms of their rushing defense. The latter lacked consistently, hence the team’s renovation of their inside linebacking corps (Myles Jack, Robert Spillane and Devin Bush are no longer with the club).

Baby steps for a team that is gearing to play power football in 2023.