https://steelersdepot.com/2019/01/st...erage-in-2018/
It might not just be the man versus zone kinda thing. But what kind of coverages you are running from a larger perspective. Looks like the Steelers run a great deal of coverages that this graphic is terming "middle of the field open". I am not sure I am understanding everything properly, but that seems kinda dumb to me. I mean the middle of the field is where NFL passing games make their livings now. "High percentage" throws into "open windows" (the two current watch words of NFL passing attacks) happen between the numbers, not outside the numbers. Heck, let most QBs bomb away with my CB against a WR pinned to the sideline. I like my chances. But guys crossing over the middle or running down the hash with no safeties to help out? That is how offenses are gouging everyone.
Maybe, I am missing something. But it seems pretty simple. Teams want to attack the middle of the field. So put more defenders there. Man or zone may not matter. It is the fundamental principle that the Steelers seem to be focused on not getting beat deep on the outside, while many offenses are focusing on gouging teams in the medium depth over the middle.