Steelers News: Is 2019 Keith Butler’s last chance to prove his worth as a coordinator?

With the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how 2019 might be Keith Butler’s last shot at proving his worth as the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Let’s get to the news:

• The one thing people who defend Keith Butler say, and those people are few, is how Butler has suffered a serious injury at a very important position in his defense. The injury to Ryan Shazier was significant, and now with Devin Bush and Mark Barron in the fold Butler doesn’t have a crutch to stand on heading into this season.

Carter’s Classroom: Butler’s last hope?

By: Chris Carter, DKPittsburghSports

Keith Butler has a lot more to work with this season than he has in his past years as defensive coordinator. Along with a stronger secondary, he has an assortment of linebackers who can bring heat on the quarterback from different spots.

We can talk about T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree another day, but today is about the inside linebackers. Primarily, Devin Bush and Vince Williams.

You’re all familiar with Williams’ resume as an interior pass rusher. His eight sacks in 2017 and 4.5 sacks in 2018 have boosted a defense scrambling for answers. Williams relishes the opportunity to rush the quarterback, especially when he matches up with a running back.

To read the full article, click HERE

• The Steelers could use a better secondary in 2019, and they doubled down on the coaching there when they added former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to their coaching staff.

Kevin Gorman: It’s time Steelers made coaching secondary a priority

By: Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed many positions of need through free agency and the NFL Draft, whether it was signing Mark Barron, Donte Moncrief and Steven Nelson or selecting Devin Bush, Diontae Johnson and Justin Layne.

One of the most important offseason acquisitions was hiring Teryl Austin as secondary coach, adding another veteran voice to join Tom Bradley in teaching coverage techniques to the Steelers cornerbacks and safeties.

“It’s two different voices but both of them are trying to get that same (message) to us and same techniques to us,” Steelers nickel cornerback Mike Hilton said. “It’s a good thing for us, and it’s going to help us in the long run.”

It’s about time. This was long overdue.

To read the full article, click HERE

• Steelers fans have heard from almost all of their rookies, but one who we haven’t heard much from is Ulysees Gilbert from Akron.

‘Mack’ linebacker Ulysees Gilbert focusing on the details as rookie at first Steelers OTAs

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Gilbert is working to establish a niche among a position group that boasts three starter-level players in Vince Williams, Mark Barron and first-round pick Devin Bush, in addition to an established backup and special-teams standout in Tyler Matakevich.

But Gilbert isn’t looking too far ahead, not stressing over his chances of making the 53-man roster or practice squad. Right now, he’s just giddy to be taking part in OTAs.

“It’s just a blessing to be out here with all the vets,” Gilbert said. “Just to get to run around with some of the players you always watch as a kid, is just a surreal feeling. I am just happy to be here.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• The Steelers helped out the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank Thursday by creating meals for those in need. Here are some videos/photos from the event:

• Social Media Madness