The Pittsburgh Steelers’ protection ended 2024 on a down notice. Over the previous few weeks of the season, they struggled mightily, getting gashed on the bottom and permitting huge performs via the air. A lot of their points appeared to stem from poor communication. Gamers continued to specific that as an issue, however it by no means appeared to get resolved. Going into coaching camp this yr, Payton Wilson expressed that not permitting that drawback to proceed to weigh them down is among the Steelers’ principal priorities.
“Communication,” Wilson stated Thursday through the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette’s YouTube channel. “Final yr, in direction of the tip of the yr, we form of, not fell off, however struggled some with communication and assignments somewhat bit.
“So, pre-snap, ensuring that we’re speaking. On the finish of the day, we’re gonna play arduous right here, however we now have to execute as nicely. We are able to’t simply run round and attempt to kill individuals. We’ve to know our assignments, know the place we’re purported to be, and execute.”
The Steelers’ issues on protection appeared to snowball as their losses mounted up. For many of the yr, that unit was as strong as ever. That they had points at occasions, however for probably the most half, they had been enjoying nicely. Nonetheless, issues took a flip for the more serious beginning in Week 15.
In opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers’ protection began out scorching, forcing a turnover, however they shortly fell off. They allowed A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to each document over 100 receiving yards, with explosive kills crushing their hopes at victory.
After that, issues solely bought worse. They adopted up that poor efficiency with a fair uglier exhibiting in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens. Derrick Henry ran via them in a sport that foreshadowed the Steelers’ postseason sport. Then, they didn’t have an opportunity in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, actually beginning to break down.
The Steelers’ protection regarded somewhat higher in Week 18, however they nonetheless allowed Ja’Marr Chase to have an enormous day. Going into the playoffs, it felt just like the Steelers’ protection couldn’t cease a nosebleed, and that proved to be true of their third matchup in opposition to the Ravens that season.
As coaching camp begins, the Steelers hope to get rid of that drawback earlier than it seems this yr. Nonetheless, that is likely to be simpler stated than achieved. They’ve bought a variety of new items on protection, and getting everybody on the identical web page is likely to be somewhat trickier than it was final yr, particularly with the lack of Minkah Fitzpatrick, certainly one of Pittsburgh’s key communicators.
If the Steelers wish to be Tremendous Bowl contenders, they’ll want their protection to play as much as its potential. On paper, they appear like among the best models within the league. Nonetheless, they should work as one cohesive unit with a view to succeed. Communication can’t be as huge of a difficulty this yr because it was final yr.
