How Mike Tomlin and flawed defense again cost Steelers

Defensive playmaking

This is a major issue that has been the storyline of the Steelers’ franchise for years. Despite a powerful offense, the defense simply hasn’t had any success in replicating the game-changing plays needed to make a bend-don’t-break approach worth embracing. And yet the Steelers refuse to make worthwhile changes.

The Steelers have acquired only one player who can be considered at least an average starter in their secondary since drafting William Gay in 2007. That player is Mike Hilton, a unique blitzing slot corner who has become under-utilized in coverage despite being one of the best in the league.

Their current assembly of Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Coty Sensabaugh, and Morgan Burnett inspires no confidence whatsoever.

They refused to move on from Haden this past off-season despite him carrying a massive $11.9 million cap hit and intercepting only one pass last year. He’s replicated that level of mediocrity this year despite being signed as a difference-maker who could raise the upside of the unit.

Burns and Davis have been penalty magnets since being drafted largely for their athleticism. Neither was an especially accomplished player in college and were reaches. Most importantly, there’s been no development with them despite their raw physical traits.

The mis-evaluations on Edmunds and Burnett were especially bad, though. Edmunds was one of the two worst first-round picks this year just based on his college accomplishments, but especially so when comparing where Justin Reid and Jessie Bates were selected. Burnett was always better closer to the line of scrimmage, so adding him to a unit with several similar players was a poor use of resources.

All of this came to a head the last three weeks.

Derek Carr had his way hitting his receivers all afternoon long, including a dominant performance by Jared Cook. Even Seth Roberts, a near-retirement Jordy Nelson, and rookie Marcell Ateman couldn’t be slowed. This has been one of the least potent offenses of all, yet the Steelers allowed 24 points and could’ve been more had Carr not fumbled near the red zone.

They could have easily allocated that money in a wiser fashion. Prince Amukamara signed for the same amount as Haden, and Morris Claiborne was less. They should’ve chased a more rangy safety like Tre Boston, who was signed for less than half of Burnett.

The Steelers are tied for 28th with only six interceptions, and 25th in total takeaways. That’s not a championship-caliber pedigree, and yet it was born out of their own poor evaluations.