The absence of Stephon Tuitt was big last season, but so was that of Tyson Alualu. The longtime veteran, who moved to nose tackle late in his career, was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ run defense in 2020, and it was a shambles without him last year. Obviously, there are many factors involved in the entire unit’s performance, but that’s certainly one of the big ones.
With Carlos Davis injured, Isaiah Buggs underperforming, and Montravius Adams not yet in the building, the Steelers had to get creative at times last year—in ways that Cameron Heyward is hoping will never have to be revisited.