Steelers’ revamped secondary enters Week 1 with chemistry concerns
Limited training-camp time together has raised concerns about Pittsburgh’s defensive communication before its season opener against Atlanta.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ revamped defensive secondary is entering its season opener against the Atlanta Falcons with an unresolved chemistry problem, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette commentators Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo.
The pair identified the defensive backfield as Pittsburgh’s main concern on the “North Shore Drive” podcast, citing limited practice and scrimmage time for the projected starters during training camp.
Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey missed substantial time on the PUP list, while Jaquan Brisker was sidelined for most of August. Veteran safety DeShon Elliott was placed on injured reserve, and a contract hold-in also restricted the unit’s opportunities to work together.
The lack of shared reps could leave Pittsburgh vulnerable to communication errors and blown coverages, particularly with four of the five expected starters in the team’s nickel defence having had little opportunity to operate as a group.
Atlanta’s offence is described as run-heavy and led by Bijan Robinson, but the Steelers’ secondary remains an untested part of the defence. Its ability to establish communication quickly may be central to Pittsburgh’s prospects in Week 1.
