Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers
By Ash Thompson
Edge Rushers
James Harrison is not the player he used to be. Last pre-season he scared Lions fans to death as Taylor Decker‘s first opponent. He made Decker look like someone at a 90s country bar that doesn’t quite know the steps to the Achy Breaky. He still leads the Steelers edge rusher group, but as he ages becomes less and less of a threat to Matthew Stafford.
The Steelers have drafted two players that they are hoping will step up in the last three seasons. Bud Dupree has managed 8.5 sacks in two seasons and was on pace for a double digit year when he landed on IR after seven games last year. T.J. Watt looked good coming out of Wisconsin and fits the mold of a Steelers edge rusher perfectly. If they can get Watt ready, and squeeze a little juice out of Harrison, the Steelers pass rush could be difficult to handle for the Lions. With luck, Decker will be back by week eight and the Lions will have all hands on deck.
Interior Defensive Linemen
Stefon Tuitt is a very good player that many believe is on the verge of becoming a household name. He ranked among PFF’s top ten 3-4 Defensive Ends in 2016, but that’s a position that doesn’t lend itself to statistical output. At the other End spot, they field Cameron Heyward, another productive player against the run and pass. Heyward tore a pectoral in 2016 and was on pace for his usual seven sack season. he is also good for 50+ tackles a year in the running game, which is solid production for his position. The Steelers also added Tyson Alualu from the Jaguars as solid depth.
On the nose, Javon Hargrave looks like he will be the starter. Hargrave is not the stereotype 350lb nose tackle but looked solid in his rookie season with the team. Daniel McCullers, on the other hand, is a 6’7″ 330lb mountain in the middle. He has the body that teams covet for the role but is nowhere the player that Hargrave is. It could be tough sledding up the middle of the Steelers defense for the Lions in week eight.
Linebackers
Ryan Shazier has stated that his goal for 2017 is to finish the year upright. He has missed at least three games in every season of his career, and a total of 12. When on the field he provides elite pass coverage and run support. Shazier is the Steelers playmaker in the middle of the defense.
Vince Williams and Tyler Matakevich are the early favorites to fill the vacated spot of Lawrence Timmons. If Williams wins the role, the Steelers can count on solid run support, but he will be a liability in pass coverage. Matakevich has not shown that he can be anything but a Special teams contributor, but he brings hard work and hustle in abundance.
Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick could have great days receiving out of the backfield if they can isolate with either Williams or Matakevich.