Pittsburgh Steelers finally receive proper respect from national media in specific area
It's felt like the national media is down on the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2022 season. For whatever reason, the talking heads aren't giving the Steelers much of a chance in the AFC North, despite finishing just a half-game behind the Cincinnati Bengals in the standings last season. I guess it's because Pittsburgh doesn't have […]
It's felt like the national media is down on the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the 2022 season.
For whatever reason, the talking heads aren't giving the Steelers much of a chance in the AFC North, despite finishing just a half-game behind the Cincinnati Bengals in the standings last season.
I guess it's because Pittsburgh doesn't have a "marquee quarterback" like the Bengals have in Joe Burrow or the Baltimore Ravens in Lamar Jackson.
While the Steelers may not have a Pro-Bowler under center, they at least have an elite defense. Specifically, Pittsburgh has the best defensive front in the NFL. And CBS Sports agrees.
Jared Dubin, an NFL writer for CBS Sports, recently ranked the best position units in the NFL and he has the Steelers with the best defensive front in the league.
Want an elite edge rusher? OK, here's T.J. Watt. Want an elite interior rusher? OK, there's Cameron Heyward. Want a great nose tackle? OK, there's Tyson Alualu. Want depth? Well, let's roll out Chris Wormley, newly signed Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, and DeMarvin Leal, along with Alex Highsmith coming off the edge opposite Watt. Devin Bush hasn't lived up to his promise but still has ton of athleticism at linebacker, and pairing him with Myles Jack gives Pittsburgh one of the freakiest linebacker duos in the league. There are arguments for other teams, of course, like quality edge depth (Bills), top-end talent (Chargers, Rams, Cowboys), versatility (Ravens), and the lack of clear weak points (49ers, Saints), but the Steelers still stand out.
The Steelers already had a ridiculous defensive front — thanks mostly to the presence of TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward — before they went out last month and made one of the most underrated signings of the offseason.
Pittsburgh signed former Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year deal.
Ogunjobi was set to be the Chicago Bears' big offseason addition, but the Bears didn't like Ogunjobi's physical (he's recovering from a major foot injury). He's still a great player, but there was too much risk with the foot to justify signing him to an expensive long-term deal.
As a result, the Steelers are getting Ogunjobi for a bargain. If he has injury issues in 2022, it's no big deal. The Steelers can move on after the season. But if he performs as the Bears were expecting him to perform, then he'll bolster an already elite defense while playing on an incredibly team-friendly deal.
The Steelers' defense makes them a legitimate threat to win the AFC North in 2022. While all the attention is on the Bengals and the Ravens, it could quietly be Pittsburgh that walks away as division champs this upcoming season.
Featured image via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
