Former Steelers linebacker calls out long-time defensive issues
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 15: Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs off the field during the second half of an NFL football against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the least innovative teams in the NFL over the last number of years, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Their predictability on defense was emblematic of the final years of the Mike Tomlin era, which led to mediocre-to-good regular seasons but consistent failures in the postseason.
Former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams chimed in on the Steelers' defense and his personal experiences with the organization.
[The] Steelers defense did have an unhealthy attachment to base personnel," Williams posted on X. 5 man pressure was a strength that lived long enough to become a weakness."
Per Sumer Sports, the Steelers lined up in base defense on just over 34 percent of snaps in 2025, which ranked ninth in the NFL. In 2024, they ranked 12th and in 2023, they ranked first.
Pittsburgh's heavy reliance on their specific base defense has long been criticized, as there have been countless examples of linebackers being lined up on slot receivers. L.J. Fort and Jon Bostic covering Keenan Allen in 2018 is one of the more infamous examples of this, but it was a schematic flaw that opponents regularly took advantage of over the last decade.
On Chargers' final, 11-play drive, Steelers had five different players responsible for Keenan Allen - L.J. Fort (3x), Joe Haden (2x), Mike Hilton (2x), Terrell Edmunds, Jon Bostic. Some of those were run plays, but Chargers got the matchups they wanted by moving Allen inside
- Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 4, 2018
With new leadership and new thoughts defensively in the building led by new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, there are sure to be several innovations to the Steelers' defense that fans have been clamoring for.
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