By Jeremy Hritz
The Steelers are to report to training camp tomorrow, July 21st at the UPMC South Side Facility, and finally, we can begin the work of talking actual football. Yesterday was a big day with the signing of Melvin Ingram, and the team may not be done yet. Here’s a collection of my current Steelers thoughts/reflections this Tuesday, July 20th:
- The signing of Ingram addresses a big need for the Steelers that I have been adamant about all offseason: outside linebacker depth. Ingram was not signed to come in and serve the team as a starter. Instead, he fills the needs as the 3rd OLB in the rotation to spell both TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, in addition to serving as insurance should there be an injury to one of those two. The ensures there isn’t as significant as a drop-off in performance from the depth, which gives the defense flexibility, and the ability to keep the starters fresh throughout the game.
- There is also the element of creativity that now enhances the defense with the addition of Ingram. Keith Butler can now mix and match defenders, and OLBs, to scheme effective blitzes that capitalize on Ingram’s strengths. I can envision packages where both Watt and Ingram are on the field on 3rd downs, or some other unique configuration. Ingram gives Butler another tool to use in developing ways to attack offenses, and this factor should not be overlooked.
- We should also recognize the element of preservation that Ingram will provide. While the desire is to have Watt and Highsmith on the field as much as possible together, giving them legitimate opportunities to rest in game and to recover, will limit, though ever so slightly, the wear and tear on their bodies. This may be an overlooked component of the signing, but Ingram’s presence could possibly help thwart potentially nuisance injuries that could hinder the effectiveness of the defense.
- No, Ingram was not signed because the Steelers were unhappy with Highsmith. Period.
- What does the signing of Ingram mean for Cassius Marsh? While Marsh could still make the roster as he does provide value on special teams and he has year of experience in the NFL, I don’t see that value being enough to keep him around for the start of the regular season. Now, you have the luxury of giving time to a player like Quincey Roche to develop and adjust to an NFL-level defense and scheme. Time for me to update my depth chart…
- There is still plentiful cap space available for the Steelers as of today, and I would not be surprised to see them sign another player. The most rumored player to the Steelers is safety, Malik Hooker, who is also a Pittsburgh native. While he appears to be the most likely candidate, I would not be surprised to see them pursue more help at tackle in terms of a veteran player. The inexperience, youth, and injury history at that position, such an important position in terms of quarterback protection, makes me nervous, and has me believing at some point another player will be added.
- Mark Kaboly has been doing a great preview of Steelers training camp, and has recently posted about the shifting nature of Ben Roethlisberger’s role in 2021. I encourage you to check it out HERE.
That is all for today! Have a great one, enjoy the Ingram signing, and get ready for this plane ride of the 2021 season to take-off! Are you ready? Absolutely, you are. Let’s go!
Jeremy