The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was among the league's best tackling units in 2024, despite the team's disappointing end to the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense played a large part in the team's five-game losing streak to end the 2024 season, allowing 27.4 points per game during the span. Despite the unit's disappointing end to the year, they were still among the NFL's best in another important metric.
According to Next Gen Stats , the Steelers were the fourth-best team in the league in tackling, earning a 90.6 (A-) grade.
"The Steelers' 89.1% tackling efficiency this season left them within 0.2 percentage points of the Chiefs for the league lead, and their 18 forced fumbles tied with the Eagles for most in the NFL," the Next Gen Stats Analytics Team writes . " DeShon Elliott converted 108 of 111 tackle opportunities for a 97.3% efficiency mark, the highest in Next Gen Stats tackle data since 2018 (minimum of 100 attempts). He and Minkah Fitzpatrick (93.2%) might have formed the best-tackling safety duo in the league."
The Steelers improved tackling in 2024 is no accident. They made a conscious effort to bring in hard-nosed players like Elliott last offseason.
Elliott joined the Steelers on a two-year, $6 million deal in 2024 and there's no doubt he was one of the biggest steals in free agency after recording 108 tackles (73 solo), two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception and six passes defensed.
However, Elliott didn't even lead the team in tackles in 2024. That was linebacker Patrick Queen , who also joined the Steelers in free agency and finished the year with 129 tackles.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 17, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Not all of the Steelers' newest additions to their defense had similar success, though.
Veteran cornerback Donte Jackson , who was acquired in the trade that sent wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers , finished the season with just 38 tackles (28 solo) in 15 games.
"If the Steelers can find an effective replacement for free-agent cornerback Donte Jackson (credited with 12 missed tackles for 111 extra yards), they could be positioned to reach even greater heights," the Next Gen Stats Analytics Team writes.
The Steelers could decide to bring back Jackson after he recorded a team-leading five interceptions, but he may be asking for too much on the open market.
If that's true, maybe a fresh start is what's best for both sides, especially if the Steelers hope to finish among the NFL's best tackling units once again in 2025.
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