Steelers' Darius Slay Sees Similar Path to a Strong Season

Strategic Insights -

Darius Slay, the Pittsburgh Steelers' cornerback, knows what it's like to start the season slowly, only to have the team turn things around and make a deep playoff run. He and his 2022 Philadelphia Eagles team began the year 1-1, but after a bye week, they fixed their defensive problems and went on to win 12 of their final 13 games, earning a Super Bowl championship.

Slay is confident that the Steelers, who have struggled defensively in the first two weeks, can follow a similar path. The team has a bye week coming up, which could serve as a turning point. "I've been in this position before," Slay said. "We weren't playing to the standard in Philly at the time. Right now, we're not playing to our full potential yet, either."

The Steelers' defense has gotten off to a slow start, allowing nearly 800 yards of offense, including 315 on the ground, and ranking 29th in total yards (394) and points (31.5) allowed. However, Slay believes that the team can still make a strong defensive push.

"We're not playing to our full potential yet, either, and just know that with a little bit of time, a little bit of patience, we're gonna get there," Slay said. "The guys in this room, we believe in defense."

Slay mentions that the team has a strong foundation with former All-Pro and Pro Bowl players, including defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, and corners Jalen Ramsey and Slay himself. "It's more want than anything," he said. "Know your assignment, do the extra work after meetings, do what needs to be done."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Steelers' defense has struggled defensively in the first two weeks.
  • The team has a bye week coming up, which could serve as a turning point.
  • Slay believes that the Steelers can follow a similar path to the 2022 Eagles, who started the season slowly before winning 12 of their final 13 games and earning a Super Bowl championship.
  • The Steelers' defense has a strong foundation with former All-Pro and Pro Bowl players.
  • Communication was an issue on the back end of the defense, but Slay expects that problem to be cleared up.
  • Injuries to nearly half of the unit's starters have contributed to the team's slow start.
  • The Steelers' defense needs to improve their performance in order to make a strong defensive push.

Statistics:

  • 80 yards were allowed on the ground in the first two games.
  • 395 yards of offense were allowed in the first two games.
  • 31.5 points per game were allowed in the first two games.
  • 315 yards were allowed on the ground in the first two games.
  • 1-1 record after two games.
  • 29th in total yards (394) and points (31.5) allowed.

Sources:

  • Joe Rutter, "Steelers' Darius Slay sees similar path to a strong season", The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)
  • 2024 NFL Statistics, ESPN