LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – While work to do, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was pleased with a number of things the defense did on Friday. Plus his assessment of a few players-the good and the bad.
Austin liked the Steelers holding Tampa Bay to 4-16 on third and fourth downs. They allowed only 2.5 yards per rush on 26 rushing attempts. There were some other areas to improve like the 6.4 yards per pass and allowing 67% completions. Here is a look at some of his thoughts on Sunday.
Badger trio
Three Wisconsin players had a good showing on Friday night and the best Badger, TJ Watt, didn't play. Rookie outside linebacker Nick Herbig made a couple of splash plays ending with 1.5 sacks during his opportunity. While Isaiahh Loudermilk and Keeanu Benton combined for six tackles and were a force together on the defensive line.
"Starting to come into his own and was really stout in there," Austin said of the third-year defensive tackle Loudermilk. "That's something we've been working on with him and allowing him to reach the potential because he has good ability. I thought it was a step in the right direction."
Benton left the game late with a leg injury, there was no update to his status other than it's believed to be day-to-day. The rookie nose tackle did not practice on Sunday, but was there without an obvious wrap or brace.
Middle linebackers
Kwon Alexander had only two tackles Friday, but they were loud.
"He's doing great for us," Austin said. "He moves. He's quick. He's decisive. He brings some suddenness and spunk to that room."
"He's an aggressive player. He's quick to key and trigger and that's a good thing. We will continue to work him and let him get more comfortable in our scheme and I think we will continue to see improvement."
Cole Holcomb played his first game since October 23, the 27-year-old suffered a foot injury and missed the rest of the season with Washington in 2022. He played a lot of the game Friday finishing with a pair of tackles.
"It was good," Austin said. "He was coming off that foot from last year. It was good to see him move around and take on some blocks and knock some rust off. I thought he did a number of really good things and some things he'll want to improve on. Overall, I thought it was a good first start for him."
Second-year Mark Robinson was the second-leading tackler in the game with six (four solo).
"The progression has been, he's a run-down guy," Austin said. "He showed that at the end of the year, we played him against Baltimore. Needed some work in his pass game, he's doing a better job at that. He continues to improve, still makes some mistakes."
"He's really dialed into it and really working to be a complete linebacker and not just a one-dimensional guy. He has the ability to do that. He's really improved in that. Some of his coverages, there will be things he leaves out, but he's much further along than he was last year."
Kenny Robinson
With injuries to safeties first-year Steeler Kenny Robinson has gotten a number of first-team reps including against the Bucs. Austin said he wasn't as smooth and easy in the game as it's been for Robinson on the practice field. He said he covered well, but needs to be improved in wrap tackling.
James Pierre
In his fourth year with the Steelers, James Pierre was the leading tackler in the game Saturday. That didn't tell the whole story for the 27-year-old corner.
"A little bit up and down," Austin said. "James is a tough kid, plays hard. I thought he left some plays out there he could have made. We will continue to work with him. I think he's still in the position where he brings good value to the team."
"We have to figure out where he fits. Is he the fourth corner or is he the fifth corner, special teams guy? We don't know that yet. We will let it play out."
No Joey
Second-round pick and potential starting corner Joey Porter, Junior was unable to play Friday due to an ankle injury. Austin said they would have preferred to have him out there, but they will do what they can to get him ready with only two preseason games.
Porter did not go through team practice again on Sunday, but did do individual post-practice drills.
Tough choices
Austin said there are a couple of things they will look for as separators between guys making and not making the club over the next two weeks. Special teams are a huge component; few of those on defense won't play on kick units.
He's also looking for guys that can play solid football. They don't have to make splash plays rather just routine plays consistently. Stay within their assignment and do their jobs.
Who will hit the books is another factor? Austin said they are starting to be able to tell who is paying attention in meetings and other teaching moments. They need players who understand the defense and can execute on limited reps.
Steelers host Buffalo for the only home preseason game on Saturday with a second opportunity to reinforce or rebound from performances in Tampa Bay.
