Episode Details

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense must find their partner for the future on the defensive line for Derrick Harmon to bolster the run defense. Christopher Carter dives in on where the Steelers' run defense lacked from their work in 3-4 base defense and in nickel defense, and whether the defensive line or linebackers were more to blame for their struggles last season. Harmon's numbers show that he had a huge impact in the Steelers' run defense, but it's clear that with Cam Heyward only having limited time left in the NFL that the Steelers either need Keeanu Benton to take a big leap in his skills to defend the run, or find a future starting defensive tackle to pair with Harmon. Chris explains why a big key for the Steelers' defensive line still has to involve keeping the linebackers clean by taking on double teams at the point of attack. Though Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson need to play better as well, their best traits get unlocked when the defensive line keeps them clean, and that could be a huge building block for the Steelers to get back to being one of the NFL's top defenses. Also, Chris takes a question on what Antonio Brown did as a receiver to stand out despite being a low draft pick. Brown's strengths in his explosiveness and footwork are a reminder that speed isn't everything, and that Germie Bernard's precise and explosive footwork could make him a dangerous receiver.

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Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

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