Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 reasons they’ll return to playoffs

2. An underrated defensive front

Defensive lineman who play for 3-4 defenses don’t typically rack up massive stats. That doesn’t mean the Steelers front isn’t talented. All three of their starting defensive linemen graded out as above average by Pro Football Focus last season.

Cameron Heyward is likely the best of the bunch. He’s a great pass rusher and he does an excellent job setting the edge against the run. Heyward does a tremendous job occupying blockers so the Pittsburgh linebackers can have the room to knife into the backfield to make plays.

Stephon Tuitt will be expected to provide some pass rushing balance from the other defensive end spot. He only got to the opposing passer three times in 12 games last year. He doesn’t need to notch double-digit sacks this season, but he can’t let opposing offenses double Heyward on every passing down. Fortunately for the Steelers, he has the talent to become a secondary pass rusher.

Javon Hargrave will start the year at nose tackle and his entire focus is to take on two offensive lineman after every snap. For Hargrave it isn’t about making tackles, it’s about making sure the middle linebackers have the freedom to clean up behind him.

Add it all up, and the Steelers have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. They won’t put up massive stats, but they will be integral to their team’s success.