Breaking Down The Steelers Linebacker Unit Through Week 10

 

The linebackers for the Pittsburgh Steelers have been counted on more than expected this season. From bringing back James Harrison to playing backups longer than expected, the linebacker unit has experienced highs and lows through injuries, great play and below average play.  Here is the breakdown on the linebacker unit through week 10.

No.50 Ryan Shazier:

Has missed four games due to injury. But when on the field Shazier has made a difference with his speed,sideline to sideline ability,and coverage skills. Going forward Shazier will need to stay healthy and progress at making ‘’splash plays’’ such as interceptions,forced fumbles, and sacks. Has recorded 26 tackles thus far this season.

No.94 Lawerence Timmons:

Has looked like the best player on the defense thus far this season. Has remained healthy and,steady,and aggressive this season. Has recorded 91 tackles,and 2 sacks this season. Going forward Timmons will be counted on to be the guy to set the defense,and to cover for other teammates mistakes.

No.93 Jason Worilds:

Has recorded 3.5 sacks so far. Earlier in the season Worilds spent more time in coverage than getting after the quarterback. That has changed in recent weeks as the Pittsburgh Steelers have won three of the last four games. Going forward Worilds will need to increase his sacks,and quarterback pressures. Has recorded 32 tackles thus far this season.

No.51 Sean Spence:

Spence is the feel good story of the team. Spence who missed the last two seasons with serious leg injuries has come back to start whenever Ryan Shazier is injuried. Has recorded 32 tackles,and a 1 fumble recovery. Going forward Spence will need to continue to provide great depth and be a asset on special teams.

No.98 Vince Williams:

Started some games last season. Williams has split playing time this year with Sean Spenc e and has made the most of it. In limited action Williams has recorded 16 tackles thus far this season. Williams has proven to be very good vs the run. Going forward Williams will need to continue to improve on special and make the most out of his limited playing time on defense.

No.55 Arthur Moats:

Moats has played much more than expected this season with the injury to starting outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. Moats has split playing time well with James Harrision. Moats so far has recorded 14 tackles,2 sacks,and a fumble recovery. Going forward Moats will continue to play and be given chances to rush the passer.

No.92 James Harrison:

It is great that he is back. Harrision has come out of retirement and has recorded 23 tackles and 4 sacks. Going forward Harrision will be given many chances to rush the passer but he will lose some reps to Jarvis Jones who will retuen soon from a wrist injury.

No.95 Jarvis Jones:

Before the injury Jones was showing steady improvment. Jones has recorded seven tackles,2 sacks,and a fumble recovery. When Jones does return Jones will be expected to pick up where he left off. He will have less reps to do that though as he will lose some playing time to moats and Harrision.