In a thrilling Week 1 showdown, the Steelers secondary put on a phenomenal performance, showcasing the talent of three new additions to the team’s already impressive defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious over the Atlanta Falcons with a score of 18-10, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that quarterback Justin Fields and the offense were unable to score a single touchdown.
Prior to the game, the Steelers secondary was often viewed as the weak link in an otherwise formidable defense. However, with the stellar performances of the newcomers in Week 1, it seems that Pittsburgh’s defense is on the rise as they head into Week 2 and beyond.
Following a season plagued by injuries to key members of the secondary, the Steelers focused on bolstering their safety positions in the offseason. One of the standout signings was veteran strong safety DeShon Elliott, who signed a two-year, $6 million deal. Elliott’s impact was immediate, as he excelled in pass coverage, tallying an interception, two passes defended, and four tackles in a standout performance. Pro Football Focus even ranked Elliott as Pittsburgh’s third-best player in the game, solidifying his importance to the team.
In a move to add depth and experience to their safety ranks, the Steelers also acquired former four-year starter Terrell Edmunds from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. While not known for his pass coverage abilities, Edmunds brings a valuable skill set to the team, particularly in run support. The addition of Edmunds could potentially allow Elliott to focus more on pass coverage, as showcased by his strong performance against Atlanta.
Another newcomer to make a splash in his team debut was cornerback Jackson, who narrowly missed a pick-six early in the game. Despite the missed opportunity, Jackson rebounded to deliver a standout performance in pass coverage, culminating in an interception off Kirk Cousins. With Elliott and Jackson showing promise in Week 1, the Steelers’ secondary depth appears to be in good hands moving forward.
The Steelers faced a challenge at the slot cornerback position following Cameron Sutton’s suspension, leaving undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop as the sole option. While Bishop may not have garnered headlines like Elliott and Jackson, his steady performance against Atlanta showcased his physicality and tackling prowess. Playing 60% of the defensive snaps, Bishop proved his worth and could play a crucial role in solidifying the Steelers secondary.
As the Steelers gear up for the rest of the season, the standout performances of the new additions to the secondary offer hope for a strong defensive showing. With Elliott, Edmunds, Jackson, and Bishop stepping up to the plate, Pittsburgh’s defense is trending in the right direction with eyes set on greater success in the weeks to come.
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine – USA Today Sports
