Massive Steelers NT Could be Steelers Solution to DL Problem

The Steelers got some of the worst news they could have received following their Week 1 loss to the 49ers with the loss of Cam Heyward for a significant period. That groin injury now leaves a massive void that Pittsburgh must fill despite the defensive line depth falling short against San Francisco.

While the team could look to attack outside the organization for a solution to the problem, the Steelers will likely elevate Breiden Fehoko from the practice squad. Fehoko, a run-stopper, got cut as the brutal release along a defensive line that remained highly competitive throughout the summer. But now, with the team in desperate need of some help in their run defense, Fehoko could end up being what the Steelers need.

Last year, after being elevated from the Chargers practice squad, Fehoko came onto the team in Week 10 to help boost their run defense. It marked a change for the Chargers that allowed the team to considerably slow down teams they faced in the run game, even if Fehoko does not offer a ton in the pass rush part of his game. The Steelers have Armon Watts, who landed as a gameday inactive on Sunday, to help with that.

The Steelers need someone who can hold their ground right now in the run game. While a small sample size from the 49ers game, the on-and-off splits regarding EPA for Heyward are far too stark for the Steelers to sit back and let nothing happen. Fehoko probably will play a lot against the Cleveland Browns if the Steelers look to him as their solution. Nick Chubb and that interior offensive line present a significant challenge for the team.

major dropoff pic.twitter.com/20rqVGBg7I

— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) September 11, 2023

Given the statistical anomaly of that sample size, extrapolate that out to 2021. The on-and-off splits for Heyward, who the Steelers have not missed in an extended period since 2016, remain concerning—Pittsburgh, with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, should have enough juice to sustain a pass rush. But the run defense could be as porous as ever with Heyward on the shelf. Arjun Menon broke down those stark differences.

On off splits yea ik, but since 2021, when Heyward is off the field, offenses avg a 0.2 EPA/rush & 53% success rate when running between C-G gap, and 0.12 EPA/rush & 46% success rate when running between G-T gap.

Browns have been a top 10 rush offense thru both gaps in that span https://t.co/0mqc0bgXa9

— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) September 11, 2023

The Browns present a problem in that area. Fehoko, meanwhile, has the strength and leverage to understand the complexities of being a grown man at nose tackle. Sometimes, it takes grit and a high football IQ to do that, and Fehoko brings those qualities in spades. The Chargers tape from last year is quite impressive, and Fehoko could end up being just what the doctor ordered for this defensive line.

Will he fix all the problems left behind by Heyward’s absence? Far from it, but the Steelers should see Fehoko as a patch to one of the team’s greatest concerns going into the future with Heyward out for an extended period of time.