After Mike Tomlin’s departure, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham at the helm of the defense.
Graham’s arrival in Pittsburgh brings a rush of excitement over a group that, despite the big names on the depth chart, has not produced at a high caliber.
With previous teams, Graham was able to make the most of worse groups than the Steelers’ defensive roster. With certain schematic changes and play styles, the group should rise back into the top ranks of the league.
Before exploring Graham’s style, Tomlin’s defenses (and their eventual downfall) must be understood. Learning what made and broke the Tomlin system hypes up Graham’s upcoming changes even more.
Mike Tomlin Defensive Qualities
Tomlin’s defenses are known for a few things: a 3-4 (three linemen, four linebackers) formation, a “bend, don’t break” mentality that leads to low points allowed per game, and a high volume of sacks and takeaways.
His secondaries play out of single high formations (one safety up top) that demand a lot of man coverage out wide. He also runs a lot of nickel packages, making the team’s secondary depth much more important.
Tomlin’s defense valued versatility from its players. Stars like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jalen Ramsey get to shine under the system with its mix of rushers backing into coverage and defensive backs pressuring the quarterback.
Cracks in the System
The effectiveness of the defense fluctuated throughout Tomlin’s career with personnel turnover, but last year was a breaking point. The Steelers defense was the most expensive unit in the league last year, yet they severely underperformed in key aspects. On multiple occasions, they were even called “predictable.”
Pittsburgh’s boogeyman was their third-down defense. According to NFL Analyst Warren Sharp‘s 2026 Football Preview, about 41% of third downs were converted against them, while ranking 29th in EPA per play (+0.11), yards per play allowed (6.2), and third-down EPA over the whole season (+26.08). Completely unacceptable.
Fourth quarters were also a key weakness for this team. Per Sharp’s metrics, they ranked 29th or worse on EPA per play, success rate and yards per play. They also were dead last in score rate per drive (60.4%) and percentage of drives allowed to reach the red zone (40%).
In Tomlin’s last stint at the helm, the defense faltered in key moments and failed to close out games, leading to many one-score games. While a +12-turnover differential helped the Steelers clinch an AFC North title, the defensive performance on third down and end of games was not winning football.
Patrick Graham’s Defensive Touch
Graham’s defining trait throughout his career is malleability. Throughout his time at various places such as the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, he has constantly molded his defense to what his personnel is.
“There is no Pat Graham playbook,” said Graham, according to Mike DeFabo for The Athletic.
The roster Graham walks into at Pittsburgh is a coordinator’s dream. A defensive front with Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Patrick Queen alongside a backfield of Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, and Jalen Ramsey. With versatile, smart, and talented players, Graham has a lot of tools in his kit.
The Modern “Blitzburgh” Formula
One of Graham’s tendencies is overwhelming passers early. Blitzes of seven-plus players on early downs disrupt the rhythm offenses try to establish. They can simultaneously pressure quarterbacks and also fill any running lanes with bodies.
From the 7-man pressure looks shown early, Graham can also run “fire zone” blitzes. These simulated pressure packages work to confuse linemen after defenders drop back post-snap. Unlike traditional simulated packages running four rushers, fire zones rush five.
The disruption creates the perfect opportunity for edge rushers like Maxx Crosby and now T.J. Watt. Linemen get tangled up in assignments, leaving only a tackle in between the rushing defender and the rattled quarterback.
The heavy fronts also help disguise coverages, especially for the middle of the field. This helps Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson with their coverage assignments and also allows them to crash the line occasionally. Queen in particular should see a return to form as an excellent blitzer.
According to Steelers analyst Jobe Morrison for AthlonSports, Graham’s Raiders produced a similar EPA (0.030) to the Steelers (0.025) while only blitzing on almost 20% of defensive snaps. The Steelers needed to blitz 28.7% of the time, which was the fifth-highest rate in the league.
This is the formula the Steelers need to bring the best out of their stars. T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey will likely see monster years under Patrick Graham’s defensive philosophy and clever play design. A new age of Blitzburgh is arriving in the Steel City.
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