Steelers Defense Seriously Requires A Different Strategy Said Rams Cooper Kupp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a bit of a rocky start to the 2023 season. It is not quite what fans envisioned as the team looked near perfect during the preseason action. Now, they sit at 3-2, and second in the AFC North heading into their Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. While Pittsburgh fans might be acting like the sky is falling, one Rams offensive star knows that they cannot count out the Steelers defense.

In his recent pre-game press conference, elite Rams wide receiver, Cooper Kupp was asked about going up against a tough Steelers defense. Kupp said that the entire offense is preparing for them and certainly not taking the challenge lightly.  

"This defense, they fly around, they play hard, obviously you know the guys on the edge that come off the ball have obviously had a ton of production sacking the quarterback. The linebackers have done a great job as well. I think they play hard, fill holes, hit, typical Pittsburgh defense."

Kupp said that he recognizes that the Steelers are fortunate enough to have strong veteran players who have good "football instincts" and who communicate well. He said that when you look at a defense like the one they will face on Sunday, it presents a unique challenge.      

Part of what makes the defense so dangerous is the production of the edge-rushing duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt is currently tied for the league lead for sacks with eight with Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings. In addition, Watt has also had two forced fumbles. Highsmith has had two sacks in 2023 and two forced fumbles as well.

Both outside linebackers have also had a touchdown this season, each scoring on turnovers during the game against the Cleveland Browns which helped to secure the victory while the offense struggled. Kupp said they are aware of the danger the two bring to opposing offenses. He said it has forced them to change the way they look at ball protection.

"Anytime you got ball disruptors, there's always an emphasis on protecting the football. The offensive line, receivers, running backs, quarterbacks, tight end - everyone's involved in protecting the football. That means getting open, timing, rhythm, it means going through your progressions quickly."

Kupp added that is something the offense will be working on is getting the ball out of quarterback Matthew Stafford's hands quickly. He said they don't want to give Watt or Highsmith any extra time to get to their quarterback. He added that usually you see this as a job for the big guys up front, but in week 7, the job falls to everyone to help protect their leader.    

Steelers Hoping To Take Advantage Of Missing Rams

The Steelers will be hoping to exploit some of the absences on the Rams offense. Los Angeles has struggled to find consistent success in 2022 despite winning the Super Bowl during the 2021 season. They are currently 3-3 and third in the NFC West. 

Just as they seemed to find some rhythm in their run game, their two best running backs are now out for the game against the Steelers. Head Coach, Sean McVay said that neither Kyren Williams (ankle) nor Ronnie Rivers (knee) will play. 

Kupp, taking a page out of Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin's book of sayings, said they were focused on "the next man up" and are welcoming some new running backs to the huddle. They elevated Royce Freeman to the active roster and signed Darrell Henderson, whom they had waived in 2022, to the practice squad. They also signed Myles Gaskin, a running back from the Vikings practice squad. 

As for his personal prep for this smothering Steelers defense, Kupp is controlling what he can control and preparing as best he can. He said he is not just looking at the film of the safeties or the corners. 

"The better you can understand the entirety of the defense, I think that goes a long way for you in terms of processing how you're wanting to do things. It is about setting the entirety of the defense and understanding what the intent behind these coverages, these play calls."

The last time the Steelers and Rams played was in 2019 and Pittsburgh won 12-7. The quarterbacks were Mason Rudolph and Jared Goff. The rushing leaders were Todd Gurley II for the Rams and Jaylen Samuels for the Steelers. James Washington led the Steelers in receptions. How times have changed.

The Steelers managed to hold Kupp, who was then in his second season, to zero catches. And Rams defensive monster, Aaron Donald, who loves to come home to Pittsburgh to play, was essentially a non-factor, having six tackles and one sack. 

What is your prediction for the Steelers-Rams game? Do you think the defense will be able to contain Kupp this time around? How about defending against Donald?