Steelers Defense Predictable? Here's a Tweak

LaMarr might jump for joy in a 4-3 defense.

-Mason Noland (@M_Noland386)

I have noticed a lot being said about the predictability of the defense this year, well I have some unsolicited advice for Mike Tomlin, Dick LeBeau and the defensive staff for the Steelers. Let's change up our base package from the 3-4 defense we've run since the early 1980's to a 4-3 look. You may think I'm insane, but I believe it can be done with the same roster of players we have now. I am not even saying the Steelers have to run a 4-3 full time. I do believe we have the athletes to pull off a hybrid defense that can have a four man or three man defensive line.

Let me be clear, I love the 3-4. I was actually surprised it has survived so long after Coach Tomlin was hired. He was a 4-3, Tampa Two defensive coach. He checked his ego at the door and allowed Coach LeBeau to keep his unit a 3-4, as he stated "We have the best 3-4 personnel in the NFL, why change it."  I do think, however, the way NFL offenses are tending to be more pass first, being able to show many different fronts seems to be essential for survival.  Coach LeBeau should hopefully see this. The zone blitz/zone rush scheme he and Dom Capers came up with in the 1990's is predicated on not knowing where the fourth rusher is coming from. Is he from the secondary? Are defensive lineman dropping into zone coverage while linebackers are rushing? It really is a beautiful thing, but it also was designed at a time when most teams ran the ball on first or second down in a traditional two back, two receiver and one tight end set. You can probably count on one hand how many times this set is used in a game now. I would think using a four man defensive line to apply constant pressure on the quarterback may be the change LeBeau's unit needs. The change wouldn't be where the pass rush comes from, but who is applying it. That's also not saying blitzers can't come to the party also.

Let's look at the the possibility of the defensive line. The Starters at defensive end would be Brett Keisel and LaMarr Woodley. These two guys may never leave the field. I feel like Keisel has been out of position his entire career. He's built more like a 4-3 defensive end, however has been holding down the 3-4 defensive end. He's a long athlete who gets into the backfield even though he's holding double teams. I think this change could add a couple more years to his career. Woodley has been nothing short of amazing as an outside linebacker. He is a big man at 6'5, 265lbs, but has great speed and athleticism in pass coverage. In the 4-3 he could be the new Dwight Freeney thought. I think if he is moved to the position where he played through college, he could be even more dominant. With his hand on the ground, rushing up field, he could apply constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks, as well as playing the run.

The starting defensive tackles would be Casey Hampton and Ziggy Hood. Hampton would still play over the ball and suck up double teams. This is what defensive tackles do. I'm not sure his responsibilities would change all that much. Hood however, would be returning to his natural position. He's still adjusting to defensive end in the 3-4, so his play has not been stellar. I believe if he's moved inside, he could be a huge play disruptor. These players could rotate with Cameron Heyward and Steve McClendon to keep everyone fresh. The Steelers 3-4 defensive lineman, except Keisel are very similar, so a rotation can be lethal to running backs. I can also imagine Hampton and Alameda Ta'amu on the field at the same time.

When the Steelers get to passing downs, thats when things could get really fun. Woodley would stay outside, you can drop Keisel to a Defensive tackle spot next to Heyward or Hood and they bring Jason Worild or Chris Carter on the other defensive end spot. You could also move Heyward, Hood, Woodley and Keisel on the field at Defense Line. The possibilities are amazing in my mind and these are just the Defensive Line combinations.

The three man linebacking corps would then be James Harrison at strong side linebacker, Larry Foote in the middle with Lawrence Timmons at weak side linebacker. I think Timmons could assume Derrick Brooks position. Timmons can go sideline to sideline like Brooks did. He may be best suited in on the outside in a three man linebacker corps. Any of these men could and would blitz when added pressure is needed. You can also see any of them rotating in and out of the game when sub packages are being used. Harrison could also move up to defensive end on passing downs, adding more combos. I wouldn't forget about Stevenson Sylvester, as he can be utilized in passing downs as a coverage linebacker with his speed and athleticism.

There would be no change to the secondary. LeBeau would probably have them continue running both man and zone schemes. With a 4-3 look up front and the pressure it could bring, they may have less pressure on the back end. I can see them using some elements of the Tampa Two, which LeBeau has said he uses anyway.

Pittsburgh has been "Blitzburgh" for as long as I can remember. I know they have been running the 3-4 defense for almost as long as I've been alive. I do think, however, sometimes what's old is new again. The Tampa Two that is attributed to Tony Dungy, actually comes from the 1970's Steel Curtain teams. I don't believe it would be too far fetched from Tomlin and LeBeau to start using these schemes to freshen up the defense. I am not too sure this will happen, but if they asked me, this would be my advice.