{"id":37100,"date":"2018-01-25T08:02:57","date_gmt":"2018-01-25T13:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=37100"},"modified":"2018-01-25T08:02:57","modified_gmt":"2018-01-25T13:02:57","slug":"curious-case-pittsburgh-steelers-linebackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/01\/25\/curious-case-pittsburgh-steelers-linebackers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Curious Case of Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers"},"content":{"rendered":"

While Penn State<\/strong> has earned the moniker \u201clinebacker U\u201d in the college ranks, the pro equivalent of that is the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>. Ever since the dynasty of 70\u2019s the Steelers have had depth at linebacker. While the front four was dominant back then, it was the linebacker\u2019s corps that struck fear in the hearts of opponents. That\u2019s right Jack Lambert<\/a><\/strong>, Jack Ham<\/a><\/strong> and Andy Russell<\/a><\/strong> roamed the field like predators. Lambert and Ham made pro-bowls well into the 80\u2019s, and even when the team was rebuilding they were still stacked at linebacker.<\/p>\n

The Curious Case of Pittsburgh Steelers Linebackers<\/h1>\n

Cementing a Legacy<\/h2>\n

Bill Cowher<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s \u201cBlitzburgh\u201d defenses were over-flowing with talent. \u00a0There was Greg Lloyd<\/a><\/strong>, Kevin Greene<\/a><\/strong>, Levon Kirkland<\/a> <\/strong>and\u00a0Chad Brown<\/a><\/strong>. That crew transitioned into Jason Gildon<\/a><\/strong>, Kendrell Bell<\/a><\/strong> and Joey Porter<\/a><\/strong>. They were able to lose Bell to injuries and Porter to free-agency and still field James Harrison<\/a><\/strong>, LaMarr Woodley<\/a><\/strong>, Lawrence Timmons<\/a><\/strong> and James Farrior<\/a><\/strong>. The latter starting four linebackers dominated for the Steelers when they won their sixth Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

Tragedy<\/h2>\n

So, what in the name of Kevin Colbert<\/strong> and Mike Tomlin<\/strong> is going on? Don\u2019t get me wrong. Ryan Shazier<\/a><\/strong> is a unique talent, and as the senior bowl practices continue it\u2019s clear that there\u2019s no Shazier level 3-4 middle linebackers in this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

The Steelers problem is three-fold; father time, talent level, and the intimidation factor. Sad to say, but when James Harrison<\/a><\/strong> walked out those doors, the Steelers may have lost their last great enforcer at the linebacker position. His mentality was to take the fine and let you know you were playing the Steelers than change his style of play.<\/p>\n

Front Office Accountability<\/h2>\n

Face it, there aren\u2019t any potential stars sitting on the Steelers bench when it comes to linebacker. Anthony Chickillo<\/a><\/strong>? Under achiever. Sean Spence<\/a><\/strong>? Not an NFL talent at this point. Arthur Moats<\/a><\/strong>? A roll player. Tyler Matakevich<\/strong><\/a>, a seventh round pick with seventh round measurables is considered the best backup the Steelers best backup. Getting scared? I am. And it\u2019s for the Steelers, not opposing offenses.<\/p>\n

Talent Limiting the Playbook<\/h2>\n

The Steelers had to reduce their use of the cross-fire blitz this year, a blitz which forces the offensive center to make a decision block on the first or second middle linebacker. This matches the free linebacker to a running back in pass protection. How do you think running backs felt when 270-pound Levon Kirkland was coming at them? Or 240-pound and athletic Lawrence Timmons?<\/p>\n

They were scared and outmatched. Thus, the beauty of this blitz. It was a staple of Dick Lebeau<\/strong>\u2019s defense and Keith Butler<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s for a time as well. Shazier was able to use his speed to get past blockers and pressure the quarterback. However, when there\u2019s not enough talent to run one of your staple defensive plays, the roster needs a make-over.<\/p>\n

Targets<\/h2>\n

With Le’Veon Bell<\/a><\/strong> and Ben Roethlisberger<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s careers winding down in Pittsburgh the Steelers need to bring in reinforcements immediately. If he isn\u2019t franchise tagged, the New York Jets<\/a> Demario Davis<\/a><\/strong> should be the Steelers main target. With the Redskins Zach Brown<\/a><\/strong> and the Oakland Raiders<\/a> NaVorro Bowman<\/a><\/strong> as alternate options. The Buffalo Bills<\/a> Preston Brown<\/a><\/strong> had an absurd year with 144 tackles and shouldn\u2019t be forgotten either.<\/p>\n

On the outside, the Raiders Aldon Smith<\/a><\/strong> is an intriguing option and he\u2019s still only 28. A scenery change from the bay area could be good for him. Connor Barwin<\/a><\/strong> had five sacks as a rotational player for the Los Angeles Rams<\/a> and Sam Acho<\/a><\/strong> had 17 quarterback hits while playing for a Chicago Bears<\/a> team that bested the Steelers. All would be instant upgrades and would be worked into the rotation with a young T.J. Watt<\/a><\/strong> and Bud Dupree<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Last Word<\/h2>\n

Adding any of these guys would shore up a linebacker corps that will look extremely different in 2018. As the draft edges closer, and free agency kicks into gear it\u2019ll be interesting to see what the Steelers front office decides to do. One thing is known; when the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> can score 45 points on the Steelers in Pittsburgh, the answers aren\u2019t on the roster at the moment.<\/p>\n

Main Image:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>