Entering 2021, the Steelers and their fans expected the team to field another stellar defense. Fresh off of a record-setting extension for T.J. Watt and the addition of Joe Schobert, expectations were lofty for a stifling Steel Curtain. However, Pittsburgh’s defense largely wavered in 2021, especially after the loss of Tyson Alualu after Week 2: the Steelers surrendered 361.1 yards per game, which ranked 24th, and yielded the most rushing yards in all of football.
Following a defensive disappointment, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert swiftly reloaded. Colbert retained Ahkello Witherspoon and Terrell Edmunds while inking Levi Wallace, Myles Jack, Larry Ogunjobi and Damontae Kazee, not to mention adding Brian Flores as a senior defensive assistant.