The Pittsburgh Steelers used to be the standard for defense in the NFL. That helped them build a dynasty in the 1970s, and then, in the 2000s, it helped them win two more Super Bowls. Dick LeBeau was the architect of those more recent defenses as the Steelers’ defensive coordinator from 2004-2014. Unfortunately, they aren’t living up to the standard he helped set. Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Long believes the Steelers’ defensive issues actually started after HC Mike Tomlin assumed more of an active role on that side of the ball.
“The defense hasn’t been the same since Dick LeBeau left,” Long said recently on his Green Light podcast.