2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

Pittsburgh climbed from last in the NFL vs. the run (2,483 yards) to eighth in 2022 (1,838 yards) while allowing a league-low seven rushing scores (tied with the Patriots and 10 fewer than in 2021). Ball carriers gained 4.2 yards per rush.

They dipped to 19th in passing yards allowed (3,779) with 29 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. The Steelers’ defense had 40 sacks, down from 55 in 2021.

Pittsburgh’s defense would have been much better last year if LB T.J. Watt didn’t miss seven games. He finished with a career-low 5.5 sacks, well below his success over his previous 62 starts (65 sacks). He also has a high floor against the run.

The Steelers tried to address their inside linebacker positions by adding Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Both players have at least one season on their resumes with more than 100 tackles. Roberts has a better chance to help the pass rush. LB Alex Highsmith picked up the sack slack (14.5) after Pittsburgh lost Watts. His value in run support improved again in 2022.

DE Cam Heyward remains elite vs. the run while having back-to-back years with double-digit sacks. DT DeMarvin Leal has his rookie season cut short by a knee injury while failing to make an impact on his limited snaps. His build makes him a tweener on the defensive line. Incoming rookie DT Keeanu Benton should be their best bet to sure up the interior of their line.

CB Patrick Peterson had a bounce-back season for the Vikings, leading to 15 defended passes and five interceptions. He also set a career-high in tackles (66). Pittsburgh hopes Joey Porter can handle the other starting cornerback slot. Minkah Fitzpatrick continues to be a playmaking safety with top-tier play vs. the run. The other starting safety job is in limbo.

The Steelers’ defense has an impact player at all three levels. Closing the passing window will be key to their secondary slowing down top wideouts. Pittsburgh needs Benton to emerge and Highsmith to repeat his breakthrough success to push higher up the defensive rankings. They will be drafted as a top-10 fantasy defense while needing to be micromanaged throughout the season.