LATROBE, Pa. -- With training camp 2018 now in their rearview mirror, the Steelers can go back into the secrecy of holding practices at the Rooney Complex after building the foundation for the upcoming season.
What hasn't been revealed just yet is what kind of sub package the defense will favor in 2018 as opposed to previous years.
Last season, according to Football Outsiders, the Steelers used their base 3-4 package 38 percent of the time, tied with the Texans for sixth-highest in the NFL. But Mike Tomlin estimated that number was closer to 25 percent earlier this season at the league's spring meetings. That number from Football Outsiders also could include heavy short-yardage packages as base defensive alignments, since they are not weighed in the rankings.
What we do know is the Steelers' primary sub package was the nickel, which typically took nose tackle Javon Hargrave off the field in favor of slot cornerback Mike Hilton. The Steelers played that defense 36 percent of the time. They also played a dime, which added defensive back William Gay for an inside linebacker, 26 percent of the time, which was seventh-highest in the league.
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