The Steelers are stubborn.
We spent yesterday’s show debating whether the Steelers should use three safeties and one inside linebacker in their base defense, with one safety – either Morgan Burnett or rookie Terrell Edmunds – playing in the box. In essence, that safety would function as an inside ‘backer.
In that instance, inside ‘backer Jon Bostic (6-1, 245) would likely sit. Burnett and Edmunds are both 6-1, but appreciably lighter: Burnett is 209, Edmunds 217. Using three safeties would hurt against the run, help against the pass.
That’s OK, because the NFL is a passing league. If Bostic stays in the lineup and the Steelers go more traditional, opposition aerial attacks will go after Bostic and his partner at inside ‘backer, Vince Williams.
Logic points to using three safeties.
The Steelers will employ two inside ‘backers. Bet on it.
Using two inside ‘backers is part of the Steelers’ base defense, and they will do that even if it means keeping better athletes off the field.
The Steelers don’t do radical.
This is the wrong decision. Let’s see how much it hurts.