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Patrick Graham's Arrival Could End Steelers' Blitz-Heavy Pass Rush Struggles
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- Patrick Graham's Arrival Could End Steelers' Blitz-Heavy Pass Rush Struggles
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers ' biggest changes during the 2026 offseason wasn't just the head coaching change . New head coach Mike McCarthy also brought in former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham . A defensive disciple from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, Graham specializes in developing the front seven. Throughout his NFL career, he has coached both defensive linemen and linebackers, giving him extensive experience maximizing pass-rushing talent. Rather than relying on a rigid defensive philosophy, Graham, like Belichick, builds his scheme around the strengths of his personnel. That adaptable approach could be a game changer for the Steelers' pass rush.
Although the Steelers recorded more than 40 sacks in 2025, opposing offenses consistently found ways to neutralize their pass rush. The decline in T.J. Watt's sack production , from 19 sacks to just seven over a three-year span, highlighted that issue. If there is a defensive coordinator capable of getting more out of this unit, it's Graham.
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Graham Will Get More Out of the Steelers' Pass Rush
Steelers fans love the Blitzburgh identity. Even Patrick Queen suggested last offseason that the defense would blitz more in a style that pays homage to the franchise's iconic 1990s nickname. However, what made the Steelers so dominant during the 1990s and the Dick LeBeau era of the 2000s wasn't simply the volume of blitzes, it was their design and timing.
Former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin too often relied on predictable or poorly designed blitz packages that lacked a clear strategic purpose. The Steelers blitzed on 28.7% of defensive snaps in 2025 , the fifth-highest rate in the NFL, finishing with 48 sacks. They also posted a defensive EPA of 0.025 and a defensive success rate of 43.8%.
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The Raiders, meanwhile, blitzed on just 19.8% of their defensive snaps yet still recorded 37 sacks. They also finished with a defensive EPA of 0.030 and a 44.9% defensive success rate. Outside of Maxx Crosby , the Raiders lacked Pro Bowl-caliber defenders over the past two seasons. On paper, the Steelers possessed significantly more defensive talent. Yet the overall gap in production between the two defenses was minimal.
A Change the Steelers Needed
Neither defense performed at the level of the 2025 Denver Broncos or Houston Texans . The difference, however, was that the Steelers had to blitz at one of the league's highest rates to generate pressure, while the Raiders achieved nearly identical results without sending extra rushers nearly as often. That reflects coaching as much as personnel.
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Opposing offenses knew how to counter the Steelers' increasingly predictable defensive approach. They also recognized the Raiders' talent limitations, yet Graham consistently put his defense in position to compete despite those shortcomings.
None of this guarantees Graham will succeed in Pittsburgh. Still, there is plenty of reason for optimism. He will challenge his players, as Watt has already noted , but he will also put them in positions to succeed. While Graham has preferred tendencies, such as using press Cover 2 looks in specific run situations, he doesn't lock himself into one philosophy . If there is one offseason change that could have the biggest impact on the Steelers, it may be Patrick Graham.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
