Despite having the NFL’s most expensive defensive unit last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 26th in total defense. Like any team, Pittsburgh dealt with injuries to key players like T.J. Watt and Derrick Harmon, but it was still a disappointing season overall for what many expected to be a top-tier defense. With an entirely new coaching staff, one of the Steelers’ biggest offseason signings believes that Pittsburgh can get back to being one of the league’s premier defenses.
“I feel like we have
the potential to be the best, to be top five, top three, to get back to what Pittsburgh is used to with their defense being on top,” Brisker told Mark Kaboly. “We want to be a top-five defense, and that should be the mindset. We got talent everywhere, you know, from the D line, and we got dead linebackers, we got that, corners, nickel, safeties. We have depth, a lot of moving parts, and we are deep. We have a dope coaching staff, too.”
The former Penn State safety is absolutely correct in saying that the Steelers have stars at every level of the defense. The safety will presumably play alongside DeShon Elliott to begin the season in a stacked safety room. Veteran corner Jalen Ramsey, who played primarily safety for the Steelers last year, will be filling in a “star” role, moving around the defense as a corner, safety, and even linebacker. It’s hard to argue that the Steelers defense doesn’t have more depth and star power than in recent years.
Along with those veteran stars like Ramsey, Watt, and Heyward, Pittsburgh also boasts several young rising stars. Nick Herbig has increased his sack total each year in the league and is fresh off signing a 100-million-dollar extension, which likely means an expanded role in the Steelers’ pass rush this season. Joey Porter Jr. could very well be extended by training camp after a phenomenal third NFL season. Brisker could be due to a breakout season, too, and he believes Pittsburgh is the perfect place for him to show just how impactful he can be.
“I think everybody knows what I bring to the table, film-wise. And obviously, I just had to be in the right system. Someone who could trust me, love me, and things like that, who assesses me as who I am. And I feel like that’s what Pittsburgh has given me. I’m able to play football. I’m happy here. I’m able to be me. And you’re going to see what PG does with me, and that’s why I’m here.”
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has the opportunity to breathe new life into this Steelers defense. Brisker is embracing the opportunity of a fresh start in Pittsburgh, playing for a defense that he is expecting to be back at the top of the league this season.
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