No matter how pass-oriented the brand of football played in the NFL has become, a defense’s ability to stop the run will always be a profound asset—because it makes offenses that much more dependent upon throwing the ball, increasing predictability.
Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers had no ability to stop the run last year, for a myriad of reasons that did, yes, include significant injuries. Getting one healthy nose tackle back isn’t going to be a cure-all, though, so this roster is going to have to look within and see how to right the ship.