The following week, the defensive performance was again marred by miscommunication that led to big plays.
This time, it’s the Dallas Cowboys who have beefed up the Pittsburgh Steelers’ high-paid defense, and they’ve done so by taking advantage of a number of communication issues in the secondary.
Those communication issues frustrated star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick after the Steelers lost 20-17, but he said they could be easily fixed. However, a similar issue occurred in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, but the situation was not corrected on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.
Former NFL GM Doug Whaley, appearing on WPXI’s Black & Gold Zone postgame show, said the Steelers need to simplify things so their talented defense can play as is.
“Let’s take the defense back to basics. There shouldn’t be any communication problems. Let’s get rid of the X’s and O’s and say, ‘Our Jimmy and Joe are better than your Jimmy and Joe.'” Whaley said. According to a video via WPXI. “Just go out and get on base and get them chasing quarterbacks, chase runners, make splash plays. That’s what we pay them to do. That’s talent. is what is set there.
“Don’t worry about trying to outdo them. Just outdo them.”
Given the amount of experience the Steelers have on the defensive side of the game, including the additions they made this offseason, the suggestion of going back to basics and letting the players play simple football doesn’t necessarily bode well. .
But that’s Whaley’s correct view. It’s still early in the season, but communication issues are a huge concern, especially for a defense that has a greenfield defender in Patrick Queen. It’s not just a one-time thing either.
The Steelers defense seems to have communication issues every year. Last season, this was emphasized, but there were also challenges. This has been a focus this season as well, but there are challenges as well.
Miscommunication can occur, especially in noisy environments with many moving parts. But it’s rather alarming when you think about something like this happening with the Steelers, and the scheme, the communication from the sideline to the players on the field, and how that gets communicated to all the players to improve the game. Questions have arisen about the challenges within Cole to compete in the tournament. Same page before snap.
Just by simplifying things and letting the guys match up and play, this defense has a chance to work out. That way, they can cut out all the excess beforehand and get back to quick, free play, allowing their talent to take over.
It’s certainly not what you want to hear about a high-paid defenseman, but the Steelers may be right there right now. Time to adjust.
