Paul Zeise: T.J. Watt might be the Steelers defense's final piece

[polamalubeast]

The Steelers defense has often been led and defined by the play of its linebackers, and linebackers coach Joey Porter knows this as well or better than anyone else. Porter is one of a long list of dominant Steelers linebackers and knows what it takes to be great at that position.

That’s why it’s significant that he speaks so highly of first-round pick T.J. Watt this early in Watt’s career. Porter wouldn’t heap praise on a rookie unless he is special and has been dominant during training camp. That’s especially true considering one of Porter’s former teammates and an all-time great, James Harrison, is the player Watt is ultimately going to replace.

Monday, Porter doubled down on his belief in Watt when he told the Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette that Watt will be the starter and play the majority of the snaps. He said Harrison will be reduced to a “relief pitcher” role and there won’t be a rotation.


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http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/z...s/201708150085

[tube517]

He'll help but our secondary is still suspect. We'll see.

[Edman]

He'll help but our secondary is still suspect. We'll see.

Our secondary is always suspect. It always will be in this pass-happy league. This isn't the 90's anymore where offenses played close to the vest with smashmouth and fullbacks, with mediocre Quarterbacks.

Teams have a lot more respect and care for the Quarterback position. Everything is fine-tuned and geared toward the Quarterback. If a QB ever sucks in this day and age, he truly sucks (Landry Jones).