If you have watched the backend of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense this season, then you know there have been some deficiencies. 

Whether it be communication, tackling, or just outright getting beat, it hasn't been pretty. 

But according to Steelers DC Teryl Austin, help may be on the way:

Defensive Changeup

The Pittsburgh Steelers released an updated depth chart on Tuesday, and it included a change at Nickel or slot corner. For the first time all year, Chandon Sulliavan is not listed as the sole starter, with an "or" now in between him and Desmond King. DC Teryl Austin was asked about that change on Thursday:

"I think he's getting more comfortable in our system," Austin told reporters when asked about the upgrade to King's status. "I think that line on the depth chart represents the fact that he's had some growth here with us and learning our system. And he's probably ready to go. What his role will be on Sunday — could be small, could be large. It all depends on what happens in a game, how the game unfolds."

King has been on the team since the roster cutdown date back in August, but wasn't even part of the gameday roster until a couple of weeks ago, and since then has served exclusively as a returner on special teams. 

But it seems King is finally up to speed with the Steelers' defensive system, as he looks to provide a spark in the tackling department, an area where Pittsburgh currently struggles defensively:

"The one thing with our team, and the one thing that we talked to everybody about is we're not going to have a good run defense if our small guys don't tackle, and we don't play like that," Austin told reporters when asked about the missed tackles in the secondary. "And so, we all have to be — we're all in charge of the run game."

King may be a plus coverage defender, but he's also an aggressive tackler, something Jordan Pun of the Texans Wire and The 33rd Team told me back in August:

"Versus the run, King is a very willing tackler and can make impact plays with more talent around him – 10 TFLs in 2022," said Pun. 

So maybe it comes off as trivial and maybe he barely plays. But Pittsburgh needs to be more fundamentally sound on defense, and nothing is more basic in professional football than tackling. So we'll see how it goes, but don't be surprised if DC Teryl Austin is yelling "King Me' come Sunday. 

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