Among the many factors that contributed to the Steelers’ bottom ranked run defense in 2021 was defensive tackle Tyson Alualu’s season-ending injury in week two against the Raiders. A 2017 free agent addition and former top ten pick by the Jaguars, Alualu’s career saw a resurgence upon joining Pittsburgh. In the 2021 offseason, the Steelers were faced with the reality of life after Alualu, as he agreed with a deal in principle to return to Jacksonville before being lured back to Pittsburgh.
“I take a lot of pride in [stopping the run],” Alualu stated via Steelers Live regarding his role in stopping the run.