A few weeks ago, I noted the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lack of dime defense. A six-defensive-back package used in obvious pass situations that had been making up 10-20 percent of the Steelers’ snaps. At the time, and still true now, it hadn’t been used once this season. With a defense scuffling off Thursday night’s loss that particularly struggled on third downs, maybe it’s time to try.
Pittsburgh has remained a nickel team, largely due to its confidence in Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. These two athletic linebackers have range and, on paper, the ability to cover.
But the Steelers haven’t covered well on those money downs.