Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 09: Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds (34) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush (55) celebrate during the NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 09, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

2018 Review: There’s plenty of blame to go around when it comes to the team’s late-season collapse. But this was a team that struggled early on, especially on defense. In Week 2, Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes lit up Mike Tomlin’s team for six scores in Pittsburgh. By season’s end, Keith Butler’s unit gave up 40 offensive touchdowns. The Steelers surrendered 27 scores through the air while picking off only eight passes. All this despite the fact that the club rolled up 52 sacks (13 by outside linebacker T.J. Watt) – tied for the most in the league.

2019 Key Additions: The addition of rookie inside linebacker Devin Bush could wind up being huge for Keith Butler’s unit. Steelers moved up 10 spots in the first round of the draft. It’s been uncharacteristic for the franchise to make such a move. The team also added speed at inside linebacker in versatile Mark Barron, late of the Rams. At cornerback, the team signed Steven Nelson away from the Chiefs and drafted Justin Layne (3b-Michigan State).

Analysis: Dating back to 2013, the franchise has taken a defensive player in the draft seven straight years. And by all indications, the club appears to have hit a home run with Bush. However, the team still needs better play from its secondary, in particular at corner. The Steelers have led or tied for the NFL lead in sacks the last two seasons but it hasn’t meant much in regards to the big picture. This team has to find a way to generate more takeaways.

Next: No. 13

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