It was an impressive performance all-around for Steelers rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier. Neither his game, nor the bigger picture, were lost on Monday Morning Quarterback's Peter King, who put Shazier on a pedestal after his interception Saturday.
2. The Steelers may have found a perfect Dick LeBeau linebacker. To be a complete linebacker in the Steelers' defense, it's vital to be able to drop and cover. Pittsburgh's first-round pick, Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier, showed that skill Saturday night against Buffalo. He dropped with tight end Scott Chandler, ran with him, and turned to catch an interception from quarterback E.J. Manuel in the first half. Instinctive play. Shazier was the best Steelers defender on the field Saturday night overall, recording nine tackles and two more special-teams stops. The Steelers have four highly drafted linebackers 28 or younger slated to start-from left to right, Jason Worilds, Shazier, Lawrence Timmons and Jarvis Jones-and Shazier gives them hope it can be the kind of complete group the Steelers have been lacking.
Pro Football Focus may not agree, having given Shazier a positive, albeit not particularly, outstanding grade.
Regardless, the real bigger picture point is, as King put it, how well Shazier will fit with the other young linebackers the Steelers are currently developing. The first team defense wasn't necessarily outstanding against Buffalo, but they showed a lot of promise for such a young group.
Keep in mind, the projected starters on defense has an average age of 26.5, and they're working in a few new starters (Shazier and fellow rookie Stephon Tuitt are both 21 and are both likely starters). The defense will hit its peak during the season as opposed to now, but it should steadily improve over the next two seasons, if they remain healthy.