Pittsburgh Review

The Steelers employed a nickel defense 38 percent of the time in 2023, making it their most common defensive package. However, this percentage was among the lowest in the NFL last season, with the league average for nickel package usage exceeding 60 percent.

Due to a lack of off-ball linebackers necessary for a nickel formation—comprising a four-man front, two off-ball linebackers, and five defensive backs—the Steelers had to rely more on dime defenses. This trend might shift in 2024.

In last week's preseason opener against the Texans, the Steelers primarily used a nickel defense during sub-packages. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin stated, "We want them to get in there and see what it's like. Some of those backers don't get third-and-longs, but there's no need. I think at this point, we want to see our guys playing and see how they handle situational football... So that's why it was just nickel."

With new coverage linebackers such as Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson added to the roster, the Steelers are now better positioned to make nickel their base package. The Buffalo Bills have successfully utilized a similar strategy for several seasons, employing a nickel package on over 90 percent of their defensive snaps due to having capable linebackers like Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds.

Teams often use the nickel because the primary offensive formation in the league is 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers). A base defense against this grouping can be easily exploited through passing plays; conversely, a dime defense is vulnerable to running plays.

Austin expressed confidence in their improved ability to match these formations: "With P.Q and Payton because those guys can really run, that gives us an opportunity to maybe stay in nickel in some situations when we might not."

The team has also enhanced its speed on defense. Cornerback Donte Jackson was acquired from Carolina for Diontae Johnson and boasts impressive speed metrics from his LSU days. Beanie Bishop tops the depth chart at nickel corner while new strong safety DeShon Elliott brings faster performance compared to his predecessor Keanu Neal.

Assistant GM Andy Weidl noted: "One of the things we talked about is getting faster on defense... I think one of the things we did this offseason is increased our team speed... with Payton Wilson, with Patrick Queen, Beanie Bishop and DeShon Elliot."

Offensively during training camp, there has been significant use of 12 personnel formations (one running back, two tight ends). The versatility within this setup allows players like Pat Freiermuth and Connor Heyward to create mismatches depending on whether defenses respond with base or nickel packages.

Critics question whether Pittsburgh can replicate last season's success given their record in close games (9-2) but head coach Mike Tomlin's track record suggests otherwise. The Steelers have gone 29-10-1 in games decided by seven points or fewer over four seasons under Tomlin’s guidance.

Since joining NFL ranks in 2021 Najee Harris ranks second overall for carries (834), fourth for rushing yards (3,269), first for scrimmage touches (978), according Pro Football Focus number one missed tackles forced(222). Despite criticisms surrounding drafting him first round Harris outperformed peers such as New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson significantly across multiple metrics while maintaining perfect attendance throughout three seasons highlighting availability being key asset player brings table

Dale Lolley co-hosts “SNR Drive” on Steelers Nation Radio where listeners may subscribe podcast via Apple Podcast iHeart Podcast platforms

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