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Steelers vs Falcons: Ranking the Pittsburgh defensive positional units in Week One

curt popejoy
·2 min read
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker T.J. Watt (90) participate in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker T.J. Watt (90) participate in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

It is finally game week for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the Steelers kick off the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons, it is clear the defense going to have to carry this team until the offense gets up to speed. Pittsburgh invested in the defense adding starting cornerback Donte Jackson and starting inside linebacker Patrick Queen to an already talented group.

Last season the Steelers defense ranked No. 6 in points allowed but No. 21 in yards allowed. The issues with allowing yards were directly related to passing yards where the defense was No. 25 in passing yards allowed. This is where the Steelers new additions need to pay off the most.

Here is how we rank the defensive positional units heading into the start of the regular season.

Outside linebacker

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It would be enough to have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to be the best unit on the defense but second-year edge Nick Herbig looked like a star in the preseason and figures to play a huge part in the pass rush this season.

Defensive line

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Keeanu Benton #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after sacking Mitchell Trubisky #11 of the Buffalo Bills (not pictured) in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Keeanu Benton #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after sacking Mitchell Trubisky #11 of the Buffalo Bills (not pictured) in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Despite no new contract, veteran Cam Heyward is healthy and ready to get back to form. You pair him up with Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton and you have one of the best 3-4 fronts in the NFL.

Inside linebacker

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Elandon Roberts #50 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Elandon Roberts #50 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

The Steelers had a lot of work to do at inside linebacker this offseason but the signing of Patrick Queen and drafting of Payton Wilson brings this unit back to the strength it was at the start of last season before injuries took over.

Safety

Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

This one was really a coin toss. Neither secondary unit feels improved over last season but we give safety the nod only because when he's at his best, Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the best free safeties in the NFL.

Cornerback

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 23: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

As much as we love Joey Porter Jr., the rest of this group is questionable. The Steelers traded for Donte Jackson but he was going to be released, Cory Trice is coming off of a season-ending injury, Cameron Sutton is suspended for half the year and the team plans to start an undrafted rookie at slot cornerback.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers vs Falcons: Ranking the Pittsburgh defensive positional units in Week One