PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Growing up an hour from Pittsburgh in Mercer County, a reunion of sorts is part of what Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin discussed on Thursday. Plus, the add of the new outside linebacker. Will TJ Watt flip sides again? Cam Sutton snaps and dealing with the Commanders no-huddle.
Preston Smith
Austin said it was important to add a veteran outside linebacker if by only looking at the games where they were without Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig and Herbig is still iffy for Washington.
“We bring a guy that has a distinct resume in this league, been a good player in a 3-4 system,” Austin said. “He can set edges. He can rush the quarterback. We’re happy with his arrival.”
Austin doesn’t expect much of a transition, the trick will be learning the terminology. Sooner he does that, the sooner he gets on the field.
No-huddle
No team in the NFL runs more no huddle than the Washington Commanders. They do that even though they start a rookie quarterback. They are able to present multiple challenges even without substituting, which can create a matchup issue for the Steelers defense.
“That’s part of the challenge,” Austin said. “We feed good about our preparation. You’ll never be able to get it exactly how you want it. We’ll be adapting as the game goes on, but I think the guys have been wired in about it. We’ve talked to them about it at the beginning of the week.”
Sutton snaps
Austin said defensive back Cam Sutton in his great shape for his first game eligible this season, noting there is a difference between practice and game shape. Austin is not sure exactly where Sutton will play as he has the ability to play outside, inside or even safety. He’s not putting a snap number on him. It will be more of a feel thing. While nickel corner Beanie Bishop has impressed halfway through his rookie season, Austin said he’s got to continue to earn his opportunity to play and they’ve communicated that with him.
Flipping TJ
A few plays against the Giants in the last game the Steelers flipped TJ Watt from his customary left outside linebacker position to right. Austin said it was more about what was happening in that game, but wouldn’t rule out it happening again.
“We’ll uncover every stone, try to do everything that we can in our power to help free up TJ, because he’s an elite rusher,” Austin said. “That was part of the plan that week. Moving forward, if we need to do it again, whatever it takes for us is what we’ll have to do.”
Austin then added we’re not going to broadcast exactly what they might do.
Hometown
Sunday is believed to be the first time ever three Mercer County (northwest Pennsylvania) natives will have coached on the same NFL field. Austin (Sharon HS), Steelers head strength and conditioning Coach Phil Matusz (Greenville HS) and Washington offensive assistant Andre Coleman (Hickory HS).
“Sweet,” Austin said with a big smile Thursday. “Cradle of coaches. Mercer County, baby. Make sure you get that out there.”
“I think it’s awesome. Small community up there in Mercer County. A bunch of small towns, but it’s awesome. I know when I was growing up, football was the sport. We all played football, Friday Night football. To see guys have an opportunity to do it at the highest level, I think it’s awesome. It’s awesome for our area. It’s awesome for football. Kind of tells a story about football, that you can come from anywhere. You work your tail off, get a couple breaks here and there, you have a chance to succeed.”