Prior to the beginning of the season, many expected names such as Joey Porter Jr. and All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to be the ones to elevate the Steelers secondary. After Week 1, the team may have found a new duo that could help make them one of the top units in the NFL.
Aside from T.J. Watt, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety DeShon Elliott made significant contributions to the team's victory over the Falcons. Jackson, who was obtained in a trade with receiver Diontae Johnson on March 13th, was perhaps the team's most valuable secondary player. He finished the game with two passes defensed, a crucial interception in the closing minutes, and a passer rating allowed of 29.2. Elliott was equally impressive, recording an interception, defending two passes, and allowing only 2.8 passer rating.
The Steelers defense as a whole has a lot of depth, but there were concerns about the secondary throughout the preseason. Jackson's trade was met with criticism, with many believing they had not yet filled the vacuum created by Johnson's departure. However, his performance on Sunday may have reassured many, as his ball abilities were on full display. Elliott, most known for his muscular play in the box, demonstrated his ability to cover and make plays in the open field on Sunday.
Though they have diverse skill sets, their ability to influence the game provides the Steelers secondary a new dimension. The twosome should continue to make life difficult for opposition defenders while helping the Steelers achieve greater success this season.
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