Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Burning questions entering 2019 training camp

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks to Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after being called for pass interference on Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3. Who will step up in the secondary?

During the previous iteration of a Steelers Super Bowl-caliber team, the secondary had three major cornerstones. Ike Taylor played all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Steelers. While he was never a Pro Bowler or one of the top corners in the league, he was a consistent presence that the team could always rely on.

Free safety Ryan Clark spent eight years in Pittsburgh and was only around for one Super Bowl victory. However, Clark was a major asset for the Steelers. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 and had his finest years as a pro with the team. Then there was Troy Polamalu. He doesn’t require an introduction.

There are no veteran cornerstone players like those three in the Steelers secondary right now. The closest player is Joe Haden, and he’s only been with the team two years. Plus, he never regained his Pro Bowl form after being injured in 2015.

The Steelers pass defense was surprisingly good in 2018. The team allowed the 10th fewest passing yards allowed per game and gave up the 13th lowest completion percentage. However, Pittsburgh finished 28th in interceptions with eight. Quarterbacks facing the Steelers finished with a 95.2 rating, which was the 12th highest in the NFL last season.

While there’s a decent framework in place right now, the Steelers need at least one player to step up as the clear star in the secondary.

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