×

Steelers switching their linebackers

One of the more intriguing stories when the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up mini camp was the switching sides for linebackers Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt. Dupree moved from the left side to the right side and Watt moved from the right side to the left side.

The major reason for the switch was that Dupree has not lived up to the vision the Steelers had for Dupree when they selected him in the first round in 2015. Dupree was credited with 40 tackles and six sacks in 2017.

Watt, the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2017, is more agile than Dupree and has displayed a variety of moves in combating the tight end. Dupree is more of a bull rusher.

Watt recorded 52 tackles and seven sacks in his rookie campaign.

Dupree is extremely strong and athletic. Those qualities sometimes led to his detriment as he repeatedly tried to rush past the opposing tackle who forced him further up the field, eventually ending up behind the quarterback.

Defensive coordinator Keith Butler went into depth in explaining the flipping of Dupree and Watt.

“What Bud did too much last year in my opinion, is that he got past the quarterback,” he said. “To me, you’re useless when you’re past the quarterback and trying to rush the quarterback.

“Now, he won’t be as useless behind the quarterback because he can work back a little bit, or he can go up and under where the quarterback won’t see him.”

For his part, Watt has embraced the flip saying, “It just makes me more versatile. Being right-handed, it puts my dominant hand to the inside and I like that. I’ll be able to get it up to hopefully knock down passes and to distort the quarterback’s line of vision.”

This is only Watt’s fourth year as a full-time linebacker, two at Wisconsin and two with the Steelers. Prior to that, he had been a tight end, which gives him insight into what the offensive player will be trying to do to him.

Dupree will be able to rush the passer with abandon by playing on the right side, much like James Harrison did in past years. The success of this switch will depend on whether or not Dupree will be able to successfully drop into pass coverage covering backs coming out of the backfield on pass plays.

Stat tales

The Steelers only intercepted 16 passes last season, 11 by the defensive backs. Sean Davis topped the secondary with three thefts followed by Mike Hilton with two.

The defense set a franchise record with 56 sacks. That would lead one to think that this should have translated into more hurried passes by the opposing quarterback. Those hurried passes should have resulted in a higher number of interceptions.

Dog days

The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation continues to support K-9 units of police and fire departments across the country.

During the 2017 season, the Steelers quarterback’s foundation distributed a total of $173,440 to K-9 units, including $48,000 in the state of Ohio and $66,000 in Pennsylvania.

In the 11 years of the program’s existence, the foundation has distributed 220 grants totaling $1.92 million.

Training camp

The Steelers report to St. Vincent College in Latrobe on Wednesday, July 25, with workouts slated to begin the following day.

The first practice open to the public is July 26, at 2:55 p.m.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today