There’s no sugar coating this one Steelers Nation. The Pittsburgh Steelers once vaunted defense slipped in 2014, and it slipped badly.
Yes, it is true that Dick LeBeau worked his wizardry and improved the unit by season’s end, the naked truth is that despite the defense’s strong finish in 2014, they did not enter the playoffs scaring anyone. And, while the loss of Le’Veon Bell didn’t help the offense, the truth is that Joe Flacco had his way with the Steelers defense in the 30-17 defeat at Heinz Field.
Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert did not take development lightly. Troy Polamalu was coaxed into retirement, while Brett Keisel and Ike Taylor were shown the door.
Now the question remains as to whether the Steelers can do addition by subtraction?
Rising Steelers defensive players
The Steelers have several defenders who MUST step up this summer at St. Vincents, and grow into the players they were projected to be on draft day. Ben Roethlisberger and the offense can’t win a Super Bowl all by themselves.
Ideally, all will make this step, but some are more equal than others. Now is your chance to vote for which players’ development is most important to the success of the Steelers 2015 defense.
Interestingly enough, the top three choices, Shamarko Thomas, Cortez Allen and Jarvis Jones have a combined 8 years of roster experience between them. Daniel McCullers, Stephon Tuitt and Ryan Shazier are in their second summers at Latrobe, which is the time when players typically make their biggest leaps.
Likewise, we’re including rookies Bud Dupree and Senquez Golson, although you’re free to vote for any other player you wish to vote for.
Please vote now Steelers Nation!
