As the Steelers enter their second full week of training camp, there are a number of important questions to be answered after consecutive 8-8 seasons.
One of the biggest questions will be whether or not the Steelers have enough depth at cornerback, a topic I discussed for PSN a couple of weeks back. Cornerback depth behind the top three of Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen and William Gay is still a hot topic at camp, but it’s the outstanding depth at safety that might help ease some of those concerns at the Steelers prepare for the 2014 season.
With the possible exception of inside linebacker, no position has more depth and talent than safety for the Steelers. With perennial All-Pro Troy Polamalu still among the best strong safeties in the game, and free agent signee Mitchell ready to take over for Ryan Clark at free safety, it seems safe to believe that this tandem has a chance to be among the best in the league.
Mitchell, who was activated from the PUP list yesterday, had a career year with the Carolina Panthers last season. Mitchell’s stat line was impressive, as he recorded 52 tackles, four sacks and a career high four interceptions. It is Mitchell’s physical style and ability to cover in open field that makes his addition a welcome one. Mitchell’s coverage skills should allow Polamalu to do what he does best, roam freely in a freelancing style that has made him one of the most feared defenders for the past decade.
Adding Mitchell to the secondary should be an upgrade over the aging Clark, but it could be the emergence of second year player Shamarko Thomas that could key a big year for the Steelers secondary.
Thomas, like many rookies learning the complex schemes of Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, struggled for much of the season. Similar growing pains dogged Polamalu early in his career, and it was only after a frustrating rookie campaign that we began to see the qualities that will likely earn him a place in Canton.
The hope is that Thomas will take similar steps in terms of his play on the field in his sophomore campaign, and the Steelers seem to be banking on that happening.
With the Steelers perceived lack of depth at cornerback, the Steelers may look to implement their “Big Nickel” package, which would utilize all three safeties on the field at once. Both Mitchell and Thomas are considered outstanding in coverage at the position, so if the Steelers don’t feel great about their corners beyond their top three, this might be a creative way to combat the problem.
Clearly this means Thomas must be ready to take the next step as a player. If early reports from camp are any indication, Thomas could be ready to make an impact. That could mean we will see a lot of the “Big Nickel” package this season.
With the Steelers likely to break camp with five safeties on their opening day roster, veterans Will Allen and Robert Golden seem to have the inside track on the final two roster spots. Allen, who enters his 11th season, has proven to be a valuable asset both as a spot starter (started seven games in 2012), and as key special teams contributor. His veteran presence and experience is something many teams in the NFL envy.
Golden enters his third camp with the Steelers with some experience also, and he should provide contributions as a special teams player. The Steelers seem to like Golden, so barring something unforeseen, free agents Jordan Dangerfield and Ross Vertrone will need to have impressive camps to have any shot at a roster spot. Dangerfield has opened some eyes so far at camp however, and could be a candidate for the practice squad if he does get cut.
