PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are opening their defense to new wrinkles under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, players say, even as coaches with deep ties to the franchise’s past remain influential. Rookie-to-veteran pass rusher Nick Herbig declined to detail specific adjustments but said the scheme is “definitely challenging for not just linebackers, it’s the whole defense, really testing your football IQ,” according to the team.
The change comes after a long era in which Mike Tomlin and longtime influences such as Dick LeBeau shaped Pittsburgh’s identity. The Steelers ranked among the NFL’s top five in scoring defense four times during Tomlin’s first five seasons, but finished in the top five only twice over his final 12 seasons, in 2019 and 2020. The club also has not finished in the top five in sacks since 2021. Tomlin resigned in January, and the unit is now in what the team described as a next stage of evolution under Graham.
Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward urged teammates to accept the shift. “You embrace the change,” Heyward said, adding that players and some coaches must set aside ego and focus on what is best for the group and the tradition of the defense.
Graham outlined his plan earlier in the offseason, saying he will simplify early-down responsibilities and then expand into more complex looks on second-and-long and third-down situations. He emphasized maintaining the franchise’s reputation for “hard-nosed, physical football” and an “intimidating play style,” while introducing more versatility and interchangeable roles within the front.
Graham pointed to his time with the Las Vegas Raiders as a model, noting how he moved pass rusher Maxx Crosby around — Crosby played 692 snaps at left end (recording nine sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception) and 140 snaps at right end (one sack, five tackles for loss). That flexibility is a blueprint for using T.J. Watt differently. Watt spent 94 percent of his snaps last season at left outside linebacker, producing all 19 of his quarterback hits, both interceptions and seven sacks from that spot. Watt said the new system is “built in” to require movement and described teammates as “interchangeable parts” who must learn the entire front structure.
