Patrick Graham's New Steelers Approach Could Fix Defense's Biggest Weakness

As training camp approaches, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers' sweeping offseason changes is the defense. After entering last season with expectations of becoming one of the NFL's elite units, the group fell well short. Part of that disappointment stemmed from the defensive scheme and philosophy under the previous coaching staff. One area in which the Steelers consistently excelled was forcing turnovers. However, despite regularly taking the ball away, they still struggled against the league's top teams. One insider believes new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will change the Steelers' defensive approach for the better.

Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan and explained how Graham's approach will emphasize tightening the defense through better communication and discipline. If successful, it could lead to a more productive unit.

“You can’t count on turnovers every single year … You gotta jump into the top 15 teams in yards allowed if you wanna be a team that’s gonna be thinking about the playoffs,” Fittipaldo said. “I think Patrick Graham can get them there. I think he’s gonna tighten things up as far as communication goes. I think they’ll be more sound. I think it’ll be less freelancing.”

Steelers' freelancing created turnovers, and coverage busts

In Week 18, the Steelers had every opportunity to control the game defensively. They forced turnovers, pressured Lamar Jackson, and made life difficult for the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line. However, all three of Baltimore's touchdowns came as the result of coverage busts. Despite the pressure, Jackson still posted one of his better statistical performances against Pittsburgh. Had Tyler Loop not missed a field goal, the Steelers would have missed the postseason altogether.

That game encapsulated what the Steelers' defense had become. The unit lived and died by turnovers. When it failed to generate takeaways or splash plays, opposing offenses often produced explosive performances. Former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who joined the Steelers' staff in 2019, helped transform the defense into one of the league's best at forcing turnovers. Before his arrival, takeaways were less frequent. Moving forward, however, the Steelers need more balance. They must continue creating turnovers without sacrificing sound coverage or inviting costly breakdowns.

Graham has both the talent and the opportunity to make that happen.

Steelers' new defensive approach under Graham could pay dividends

According to Fittipaldo, Graham's defense will focus on improving communication in the secondary and reducing freelancing. That should allow versatile players such as Jalen Ramsey to thrive within clearly defined assignments while still taking advantage of details like disguised coverages. Although Graham has enjoyed success with Cover 2 press concepts, he has never tied himself to a single scheme. Instead, he adapts his defense to each opponent in an effort to eliminate what they do best.

Graham learned that philosophy from one of his former head coaches. Bill Belichick rarely relied on a one-size-fits-all defensive system. Instead, he built weekly game plans designed to remove an opponent's greatest strengths and force offenses to adjust, not force his defense to. Graham has carried that philosophy with him throughout his stops as a defensive coordinator, often producing strong results despite working with less talented rosters.

This Steelers defense, despite a few question marks, may be the most talented group Graham has coached. The roster features several versatile defenders whom he can deploy in a variety of roles. The biggest challenge, however, will be improving communication and eliminating coverage lapses. If Graham and the Steelers can accomplish that, the defense should take a significant step forward.