Steelers may deploy a nickel-cornerback-by-committee approach this year – Still Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers typically have pretty consistent defensive starters, but recent statements suggest they could use multiple nickel cornerbacks in 2021.
In past years, we have seen very similar trends in the way the Steelers deploy certain defensive packages. Pittsburgh’s nickel defense has been pretty consistent for quite some time now.
Since 2017, Mike Hilton has been the team’s starting nickel defensive back. Now he is with the Cincinnati Bengals. Prior to Hilton, it was William Gay who held down slot coverage duties in Pittsburgh.
The nickel defense was the Steelers most frequently used sub-package last year, and it’s critical that they have a reliable defensive back coming onto the field in place of an extra defensive lineman. However, by the sound of things, the nickel defense could look very different in 2021.
Instead of letting these young players battle it out for the remainder of the preseason, Pittsburgh could be poised to go into the season using a nickel-cornerback-by-committee approach. Mike Tomlin hinted at this idea in a statement via Mike Prisuta:
2. Curious quote of camp goes to Tomlin: “There’s not just a cookie cutter, not just a nickel. There are first- and second-down nickels. There are third-down nickels, two-minute nickels. Versatility is a thing we value.” Stability would be even more valuable. Pick one, move along
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) August 20, 2021
This statement recorded from Prisuta certainly seems to indicate that Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Keith Butler could deploy a variety of different looks with several different players acting as the nickel defensive back. When each player sees the field could depend on the down, distance, and situation.
How this defensive strategy could look for the Steelers?
From what I’ve seen so far from Pittsburgh’s defensive backs vying for playing time this year, each offers a skill set that is a bit different from the others. Former Maryland strong safety Antoine Brooks, for example, could be used in early-down work in nickel packages essentially as an extra linebacker. Though he has reportedly cut weight since entering the NFL at 220 pounds last year, he still packs a punch coming downhill and filling running lanes.
However, Steelers probably aren’t getting the whole package out of Brooks, and Tomlin understands that. That’s why having Brooks covering slot receivers on third and long probably isn’t the best move.
For obvious passing situations, Pittsburgh could deploy a very different nickel look. Many fans are hoping this consists of kicking Cameron Sutton inside to cover the slot with second-year player James Pierre taking his place as the right cornerback. From what I have seen so far this summer at training camp and in the preseason, I think this could be their best lineup for coverage purposes.
Of course, Arthur Maulet is another player hoping to be called on for nickel duties. Like Brooks, Maulet isn’t known for his coverage ability, but he probably offers a bit more fluidity and movement skills in space while still possessing the ability to blitz and tackle.
It will be interesting to see if this is indeed what Mike Tomlin meant by his statement, and I’m curious as to see how this approach is going to work rather than simply designating one player as the full-time starting nickel cornerback. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes on this to see how it unfolds.