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Yahya Black Is Elevating The Steelers Defense as The Modern NFL Prototype Nose Tackle
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- Yahya Black Is Elevating The Steelers Defense as The Modern NFL Prototype Nose Tackle
One of the young Pittsburgh Steelers showing significant growth on the field is second-year defensive tackle Yahya Black . After a strong rookie season, Black entered his second year under a new coaching staff with clear expectations for how he could improve his game. So far, that development is paying off, and his longtime defensive captain has taken notice.
Cam Heyward spoke to the media and praised Black for his elevated level of play. His improvement has been particularly evident against the run, where the Steelers' defense has rallied around its ability to create havoc for opposing offenses.
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"Yahya is a big part of that. I think he's moving a lot better this year. Playing with great hands, getting off blocks, and you just feel his energy as he enters the game. And, you know, it's sustainable," Heyward said.
Steelers Have a Modern Prototype at Nose Tackle
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets center Joe Tippmann (66) looks to block Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Black has received more opportunities since Derrick Harmon landed on injured reserve . So far, he hasn't just played at a high level; he's also shown the NFL what the next generation of nose tackles can look like. He has lined up 63 times in the traditional nose tackle A-gap alignment across 175 defensive snaps . The Steelers' defense is already benefiting significantly from his presence.
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Since Black's snap count increased in Week 5, the Steelers' defense has been exceptionally dominant against the run. With Black serving in that role, Pittsburgh has posted the following numbers:
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1stin rushing yards allowed per game (62)
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7thin rush EPA (-0.214)
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1stin rush success rate (24.6%)
Black is also beginning to earn more opportunities as a pass rusher rather than serving exclusively as a run-down defensive lineman. During the first three weeks, he logged 28 run-defense snaps and 26 pass-rush snaps . Since Week 4, however, he has taken on a much more prominent role along the defensive interior, recording 55 run-defense snaps and 66 pass-rush snaps.
Needless to say, Black is earning the coaching staff's trust.
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Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Spears-Jennings (28) and defensive end Yahya Black (94) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
On the season, Black has recorded four pressures, one sack, 14 tackles, and six run stuffs . He has also started to display Heyward's knack for batting down passes at the line of scrimmage.
If any Steelers second-year player has the potential to make a significant leap, Black is certainly among them. He is improving in all the right areas and beginning to establish himself as a core component of Pittsburgh's defensive interior. His continued development could give the Steelers an increasingly versatile and disruptive presence in the middle of their defensive line.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
