NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 33
Next
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

31. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have long been known for having great defenses. Back in the 1970s when Pittsburgh was celebrating four Super Bowl wins in six years, names like Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Mel Blount and Jack Ham were at the forefront despite the team having five Hall of Famers on offense.

Fast forward a few more generations of defense, and 2015 looks like a foreign land for Steelers fans. Pittsburgh lost plenty of starters in the offseason ranging from the retirements of Jason Worilds, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor to the free-agency defections of Brett Keisel and Brice McCain. Yet, the most important departure was that of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, who is now working with the Tennessee Titans.

The depth chart has to be terrifying for Steelers fans. The offense will be one of the best in the league, and it needs to be. The secondary is currently populated by Cortez Allen, Will Allen, William Gay and Mike Mitchell. Yikes. The front seven has some potential in Ryan Shazier and a stud in Casey Heyward, but where is the pass rush? This defense is going to get shredded.

Next: 30. Tennessee Titans