The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some noticeable adjustments to their defensive strategy in recent weeks, with a particularly intriguing shift during their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the key changes came in the team’s defensive backfield, where the Steelers chose to deploy veteran cornerback Cam Sutton, rather than Beanie Bishop, in their nickel packages. While head coach Mike Tomlin did not address the reasoning behind this decision following the game, it appears that the coaching staff made the switch in response to the Bengals’ pass-heavy offensive approach. By inserting Sutton in the nickel role, the Steelers may have been looking to match up more effectively against Cincinnati’s passing attack, which is often the focal point of their offensive game plan.
Sutton’s return to the Steelers after their bye week marked a significant shift in his role. Throughout much of the season, Sutton had primarily served as the team’s dimebacker and sometimes even played safety, a versatile position that allowed him to contribute in different areas of the defense. However, the game against the Bengals represented the first time in which Sutton was utilized in the nickel cornerback role as extensively as he was. This shift may be indicative of the Steelers’ evolving defensive strategy, with a focus on bolstering their coverage in passing situations. Although Sutton’s increased responsibility in the nickel package was a notable change, Beanie Bishop still saw action in the team’s dime packages, filling in as needed to provide additional depth in the secondary.
What remains unclear is how the cornerback roles will continue to evolve moving forward, especially with the expected return of rookie cornerback Cory Trice, who has been sidelined with an injury. The return of Trice could create even more competition in the secondary and lead to further adjustments in the Steelers’ defensive lineup. For now, it’s uncertain whether Sutton will continue to play a prominent role in the nickel package, or if Bishop will reclaim more of that responsibility. Regardless, the change in defensive alignments during the Bengals game is part of a broader trend of defensive adjustments that have taken place over the past few weeks.
In addition to the changes in the secondary, the Steelers have also made shifts in other areas of their defense. One of the more significant moves has been the increased usage of linebacker Elandon Roberts, who has seen more playing time in recent weeks, often at the expense of Payton Wilson. This shift at linebacker has allowed the Steelers to adjust their defensive look and potentially better match up against opposing offenses. The change in personnel has been subtle but meaningful, with the coaching staff aiming to fine-tune the defense to maximize its effectiveness.
While the Steelers’ defense boasts considerable talent, it has not been without its struggles. There have been moments where the defense has been caught out of position or unable to execute key plays, leading to lapses in coverage and missed opportunities. As a result, the coaching staff has been actively experimenting with different combinations of players and defensive schemes in an effort to shore up these weaknesses. The team seems to be searching for the right balance of personnel and strategy that will allow them to capitalize on their strengths while addressing any areas of concern.
The ongoing adjustments to the defense are part of the Steelers’ broader efforts to improve as the season progresses. With key players like Sutton, Roberts, and Trice making their contributions, the Steelers’ defense may become even more formidable as the coaching staff continues to refine their approach. These changes are not just about replacing players but about finding the right schematic approach that will allow the defense to perform at its highest level. The Steelers will likely continue to experiment with different combinations and strategies in the weeks ahead, hoping to unlock the full potential of their talented defensive roster.