The changes made to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense under defensive coordinator Keith Butler have been a double-edged sword. The longtime linebackers coach has actively worked to simplify the language and concepts used under his predecessor, Dick LeBeau, enabling younger players to become contributors at earlier points of their career.
This has allowed the team to field its most talented defense, but it has also come along with unfinished products that lack the fundamentals and chemistry that builds cohesive units. While it has been important for players such as Ryan Shazier, Stephon Tuitt, Artie Burns, and Bud Dupree to get on the field quickly, and enter starting roles even in their rookie season, they have brought with them in their playing time the primary mistakes that are being talked about.