STEELERS VS FALCONS: TALE OF THE TAPE ON DEFENSE

When the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons square off on Sunday, both defenses are hoping to come out and make a statement. The Steelers defense has been among the best in the NFL for a number of years and the Falcons are hoping to get to that point this season. For the Steelers, the defense has a lot of pressure on them with so much uncertainty on offense.

We went down the line to see which defense is better heading into this regular-season opener.

Defensive line

Both teams run a base three-man defensive line but the Steelers have a clear edge here. Cam Heyward is a future Hall of Famer and Keeanu Benton in the middle is one of the big young stars in the league.

EDGE: Steelers

Outside linebacker

As much as we like Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter, they are not T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

EDGE: Steelers

Inside linebacker

Kaden Ellis is a very good inside linebacker and Troy Andersen is a player on the rise for the Falcons. Meanwhile the Steelers have steady veteran Elandon Roberts and budding superstar Patrick Queen. We would probably call this a draw so the inclusion of Steelers rookie Payton Wilson gives the Steelers just the slightest edge.

EDGE: Steelers

Cornerback

This is another close one. Joey Porter Jr. and A.J. Terrell Jr. are very close. Same for Mike Hughes and Donte Jackson. The Falcons have the edge at nickel and their depth is more experienced.

EDGE: Falcons

Safety

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is better than Justin Simmons or Jessie Bates but he's not better than both of them. After Fitzpatrick, the dropoff is significant for the Steelers and the Falcons are rock solid.

EDGE: Falcons

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers vs Falcons: Tale of the tape on defense

2024-09-08T05:43:02Z dg43tfdfdgfd