In the Omar Khan era, Steelers fans have seen their team be more aggressive in free agency than in years past. Kevin Colbert always seemed lazy on that front, but Khan has been the opposite. He left no stone unturned, and he brought in some serious players. The Steelers’ defense has been on another level to start the season, with new additions DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson being huge contributors.
The Steelers acquired Donte Jackson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers over the offseason. Unfortunately, Diontae Johnson was the player that the Steelers gave up in the trade, but it has paid off. Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room is hurting in the absence of Johnson, but the defense is thriving with a real cornerback next to Joey Porter Jr.
After six seasons with the Carolina Panthers, getting to a new team with a real culture must be refreshing, and Jackson has enjoyed it so far. Through seven games as a Steeler, Jackson has posted three interceptions with 75 return yards and 14 solo tackles. Quarterbacks have targeted Jackson 28 times with a completion rate of just 53.6%. He’s leading the Steelers in interceptions.
Unfortunately, Jackson got banged up in Pittsburgh’s week seven game against the Jets. The severity of his injury is unknown at the time, but the promotion of CJ Henderson from the practice squad suggests that the Steelers could be without Jackson until after the bye week. Having the 28-year-old veteran around has benefited Beanie Bishop and Porter Jr.
A former Raven has been a big part of the Steelers defense this season, and it’s not the one that you think. While Patrick Queen has been fine, DeShon Elliott has been a big difference-maker on the back end for Pittsburgh. Elliott said that Queen helped recruit him to Pittsburgh, making Baltimore sick.
Through seven games, Elliott has already established himself as a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. He plays Steeler football and is not afraid to make a hit anytime. He’s not Troy Polamalu, but he’s the best strong safety that Pittsburgh has had since. Elliott has one interception, one forced fumble, and one recovery in his first seven games as a Steeler. He also has a team-leading 51 total tackles.
The first-year Steeler has 33 solo tackles, tied for the team lead with Minkah Fitzpatrick. Elliott’s presence has also allowed Fitzpatrick to return to his center-field role. Between the additions of Elliott and Jackson, the Steelers have a real secondary for the first time in a long time. Elliott has missed just two tackles on the season out of his 53 chances. If he gets his hands on you, he’s taking you down with him.
His lone interception on the season came in week one against the Falcons, which means he’s due for another one soon. The Steelers will need it during the stacked schedule after the bye week, which includes every divisional game and matchups with the Chiefs and Eagles. The defense will be key if they want to compete in those games.
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