PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Aggressiveness. That's the first trait first-year Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin said you will see about his defense. It'll be one that does the fundamentals well, won't give up big plays, create turnovers.
But will it stop the run.
"We just have to be better, more consistent," Austin said. "I think we would play good run defense at times, then there were too many big runs. We are going to focus on our technique and tackling better."
"The team has turned the page, but I haven't," said Steelers Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar. "Giving up the yardage we gave up last year was probably a first in my career. We have some young guys learning how to do things. With pride, you want to stop the run."
Steelers were worst in the NFL giving up 2,483 rushing yards. They were by far the worst allowing 24 runs of 20 yards or more. The next was the Jets with 16. By comparison, the Titans gave up three.
With only a third round pick as an addition and the loss of Stephon Tuitt, who is going to do it?
"We got lucky last year because Loudermilk played a lot and Wormley played a lot at that position," Dunbar said. "It's not like the guys we are going to put in that position will be green. We have some guys who have reps at that position."
Chris Wormley
"He had a chance to get more reps," Dunbar said. "He has been a great addition to this team. The more shots you get at it, the more lucky you are to knock it out of the park. That's what he did last season."
Isaiahh Loudermilk
"I think like Alex Highsmith, in his second year he came on," Dunbar said. "Alex had that same thing happen when Bud Dupree got hurt, he had to go in and do some things. His game came along."
"Loudermilk looks great. His chest is a little more puffy. He's bouncing around because he's on the same defense."
DeMarvin Leal
"I like him," Dunbar said. "He's what you look for. He was 285-290 and now he's like 305 pounds and he's starting to get his NFL body. He has that big round butt you look for so he can come out with his hips and strike guys. He can run and he's explosive. We are going to have fun with those young guys."
"He's not a tweener, he's man enough to play inside. He fits well in what we are trying to do."
Montravius Adams
"I see him competing for the starting nose tackle position," Dunbar said. "Montravius did a great job learning on the run last year. He's a very athletic kid. He can hold a point and he can run."
Adams believes the fundamentals and tackling are better as they break in the new guys (free agents and rookies) and improve.
"Times like these with mini-camps and OTAs," Adams said. "Guys like me being here a whole year now, knowing the system. The excellent coaches we've added like Coach Flores from Miami. I just think it's setting us up for success. The way we are communicating together, trying to be closer. I think the ceiling is going to be higher."
"You look to see great things from those young guys going forward," Dunbar said.
"It's like a dad seeing your kid stand up and walk."
And then hopefully tackle.
