Steelers Trade For Pass Rusher Preston Smith

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Post on Nov 06, 2024

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Steelers Bolster Pass Rush with Trade for Preston Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a major splash in the offseason, acquiring veteran pass rusher Preston Smith from the Washington Commanders in a blockbuster trade. This move signifies a clear commitment to improving their defense, a unit that struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2022.

A Proven Pass Rusher Joins the Steel City

Smith, a 30-year-old defensive end, brings a wealth of experience and production to Pittsburgh. He's established himself as a reliable force in the NFL, boasting an impressive resume of 58.5 sacks in eight seasons. In 2022, he recorded 10 sacks for the Commanders, proving he can still be a disruptive force despite his age.

Here's why this trade benefits the Steelers:

• Immediate Impact: Smith provides a much-needed boost to their pass rush, addressing a key area of weakness. He can immediately step in and contribute, providing a veteran presence to a young defensive line.
• Experienced Leader: Smith's leadership and guidance will be valuable for the Steelers' younger defenders, particularly in developing their pass-rushing skills.
• Versatility: Smith can play both defensive end positions and even line up as a stand-up linebacker, adding flexibility to Pittsburgh's defensive scheme.

A Potential Game-Changer for the Steelers

The Steelers' defense, known for its toughness and intensity, lacked a consistent edge rusher last season. This hampered their ability to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses. Smith's presence has the potential to transform their defense into a dominant unit.

The impact of Smith's arrival could be seen in several ways:

• Increased Pressure on Quarterbacks: Smith's arrival will force quarterbacks to make quicker decisions, leading to more sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles.
• Improved Run Defense: Smith's ability to set the edge will make the Steelers' run defense more formidable, preventing big runs and forcing opposing teams to become more one-dimensional.
• Confidence Boost for the Team: Smith's arrival signals a commitment to winning, boosting the morale and confidence of the entire team.

What to Expect From Smith in Pittsburgh

While Smith is a proven pass rusher, it remains to be seen how he will adapt to the Steelers' defensive scheme and how he will mesh with the team's young talent. The addition of Smith could create a domino effect, forcing other teams to game plan differently against Pittsburgh.

This move by the Steelers signals a clear intent to contend for a playoff spot in 2023. With Smith bolstering their defense, the Steelers are primed to make a serious run in the AFC.

Keywords: Steelers, Preston Smith, Washington Commanders, trade, pass rush, defense, sacks, veteran, leadership, impact, run defense, AFC, playoffs.