As Mike Tomlin discussed this week’s opponent at his weekly press conference yesterday, the Steelers head coach wasted little time focusing on what is certain to be the biggest challenge when his team travels to the Edward Jones Dome to face the St. Louis Rams Sunday at 1 p.m.
That of course would be the Rams outstanding defensive line that is unquestionably as good as the league has to offer.
The group is led by Penn Hills native and All-everything University of Pittsburgh standout Aaron Donald, who in only his second year is staking claim as the best interior lineman in the NFL.
Make no mistake, Donald might highlight the group, but Tomlin was quick to point out that all four starters have first-round pedigree and the depth of the unit poses additional challenges for the Steelers high-powered offense.
“They have a lot of high-pedigree guys up front. Robert Quinn is a spectacular edge rusher, one of the best in the game,” Tomlin said. “Michael Brockers is another first-round interior defensive lineman. They got Nick Fairley, who they acquired from Detroit, and he’s another interior presence. Chris Long is another first-round pick who plays end opposite Quinn. They play seven or eight defensive linemen, many of whom are first- and second-round draft pick guys. Those guys are the engine who drive their defensive car.”
Quinn will pose a significant challenge coming off the edge. A back-to-back Pro-Bowl selection, Quinn has posted double-digit sack totals the past two seasons and had 19 sacks in 2013. Quinn is regarded as one of the best speed rushers in the game and will likely spend most of his time matched up with Steelers left tackle Kelvin Beachum.
Opposite Quinn is Chris Long, who has 52.5 sacks for his career and has twice reached double digit totals for a season. After going four straight seasons without missing a start, Long missed much of last season after having ankle surgery. Healthy again in 2015, Long already has recorded a sack and his non-stop motor could pose a serious challenge to right tackle Marcus Gilbert.
William Hayes and Eugene Sims are both proven veterans who back up Quinn and Long, and each have seen extensive playing time this season. Hayes already has eight tackles through two games and Sims has chipped in with a sack.
Brockers may not get the publicity of Donald, but he quietly has been a force working in tandem with the All-Pro. Often is position to be singled up with offensive guards due to the need for opponents to commit multiple blockers on Donald and Quinn, Brockers has the ability to take over games with his unique combination of size and quickness.
Brockers already has 14 tackles this season despite of seeing less playing time with the addition of Fairley to the rotation. Fairley is another first-round pick who was inconsistent with the Detroit Lions but has made an early impression with the Rams, notching a half a sack and registering three tackles in spot duty.
Last but certainly not least, Donald took little time establishing himself as one of the premier players in the NFL. Garnering NFL Rookie of the Year honors last season, Donald is off to a flying start in his second year. In spite of being the unquestioned focal point of opponents, Donald has 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles so far.
Tomlin was effusive in his praise for the former Pitt standout who spent his career across the hall from the Steelers during his career as a Panther.
“I know quite a bit about Aaron Donald, probably too much,” Tomlin said. “The things I know about him don’t help me sleep easy. This guy is extremely talented, but he’s also a hard worker. I spent a couple of months this offseason, February and March of 2015, getting out of my car in the parking lot out here and running into Aaron Donald as he came in to work out at Pitt. I think he left the Pro Bowl and went straight back to work. That doesn’t surprise me. The way his professional career is unfolding is not a surprise to those who know him.”
Much like players such as the Texans J.J. Watt or Troy Polamalu in his prime, opponents must focus entire game plans with Donald in mind. The ability of the Steelers to limit Donald is certain to be a key factor in the Steelers offense building off of the success they had last week against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Steelers offensive line has played well despite of some penalties and mental gaffes. So far the line has only given up two sacks and Roethlisberger had ample time to dissect the 49ers early and often through the air.
Now in the confines of the Edward Jones Dome on the lightning fast field turf, the Steelers line will have a much bigger challenge against a Rams defensive front that is as deep and talented as any group in the league.
