Steelers News: Realizing the true value of a player like Tyson Alualu along the Steelers’ DLine

With all of the Steelers’ 2019 offseason workouts in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base has to suffer through the dog days of summer until the boys of fall return to the gridon. In the meantime, don’t think the news surrounding the black-and-gold is over. As the team disperses for the summer, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how a player like Tyson Alualu is a very valuable part of the Steelers’ defense.

Let’s get to the news:

• Tyson Alualu might not get the publicity of players like Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward, but it doesn’t make him any less valuable.

Versatile Tyson Alualu unsung contributor to Steelers’ defensive line

By: Jonathan Bombulie, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

As the game has evolved over the past decade or so, though, 3-4 defensive ends have been asked to do more.

Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt don’t just eat up blockers. They make plenty of plays.

This evolution explains why the Steelers have found a valuable piece of their defense in Tyson Alualu. A nine-year veteran, he has been around long enough to see the evolution of defensive line play firsthand. At 6-foot-3, 304 pounds, he’s big and athletic enough to accomplish any task the Steelers ask of a defensive lineman.

“Even when I was coming into the league, I think that was one of the biggest things, being versatile, being able to play all the positions and do it to the best of my ability,” Alualu said. “I kind of find it easier to adapt to different schemes, whatever’s asked, depending on what defense I’m in.”

The evolution of defensive line play hasn’t been a complete transformation, of course. There are still times when Alualu, in a two-gap scheme, can make his greatest contribution to the defense by patiently and powerfully occupying a pair of blockers.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Even the harshest Mike Tomlin critic should be upset about the latest coaching ranking.

Tim Benz: Even Mike Tomlin’s critics should find this ranking unjust

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

I know your complaints about Tomlin. I have them, too.

• Doesn’t win enough in the playoffs

• Can’t control the locker room

• Loses to bad teams too often

• Underachieves with superior talent

• Poor timeout and clock strategy

• Plays favorites too often

I agree on all fronts. But that doesn’t mean some of the guys ranked higher on that list actually are better than him.

One playoff season from Anthony Lynn with the Los Angeles Chargers shouldn’t vault him to a spot in front Tomlin.

Seventh is the Ravens’ John Harbaugh, who got to Baltimore just one year after Tomlin signed on with the Steelers. While he does have a better playoff record (10-6) than Tomlin (8-7), Tomlin has beaten Harbaugh twice in three postseason tries. Tomlin has a better regular-season winning percentage (.654) than his AFC North rival (.591). And he’s won the conference championship twice as opposed to just once for Harbaugh.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Going to the Steelers’ home opener vs. the Seahawks? There are some other festivities you might want to take in.

Steelers announce Fantennial Weekend

By: Steelers.com’s Staff Writers

The Steelers will host the Seattle Seahawks in their 2019 regular-season home opener at Heinz Field on Sunday, September 15. Kickoff for the Week Two home opener is 1 p.m.

Honoring the NFL’s 100th season, the days leading up to the home opener will be a Fantennial Weekend, presented PNC, UPMC and U.S. Steel.

On Friday, Steelers alumni and current players will attend a high school football game featuring Riverside High School vs. Western Beaver at Blackhawk High School. Western Beaver is coached by former Steelers WR Derek Moye, who also played high school football in western Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, a Steelers Fan Fest will take place on Art Rooney Avenue outside of Heinz Field from 2-6 p.m., with a number of activities for fans, including a car show and an evening concert at Stage AE.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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