Oct 2, 2014 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – For years, the Steelers’ 3-4 defense thrived on getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks from its outside linebackers.

Now, the only pressure in Pittsburgh seems to be on the coaching staff to find ways for the Steelers to perform better.

Pressure from the outside linebackers? That’s been as infrequent as an unencumbered drive through Pittsburgh at rush hour.

“Teams are coming out and max protecting and giving us some looks we’re not used to seeing,” said linebacker Jason Worilds Wednesday as the Steelers prepared for their game Sunday at Jacksonville (0-4). “But that’s no excuse for not getting to the quarterback.”

The Steelers (2-2) have recorded just seven sacks in four games, with four of those coming from the outside linebackers.

Jarvis Jones is tied with defensive end Cam Heyward for the team lead with two, but he’s out at least seven more weeks after suffering a wrist injury two weeks ago at Carolina.

With Jones out, the Steelers turned to Arthur Moats and James Harrison, signed last Tuesday.

Those two combined with Worilds to produce two tackles, one each by Worilds and Moats, and two pressures, both by Worilds, in last Sunday’s 27-24 loss to Tampa Bay.

“I’d like more from that group, and I think that group is definitely capable of giving us more,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “But also I think some game circumstances will help us in that regard. Really, there has been one football game that we’ve been in that we’ve had a definitive lead, and I think if you get more of those situations, I think it will bring more opportunity for the type of splash that you’re talking about.”

Game situation didn’t seem to make much of a difference to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers sacked Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on two of the first three plays Sunday, the second of which led to a fumble that Tampa Bay recovered and turned into a quick touchdown for a 7-0 lead.

The Steelers seem to be just a step slow in getting to the quarterback.

For example, Worilds nearly took down quarterback Mike Glennon for a sack on the first play of Tampa Bay’s final possession. But as Worilds spun the quarterback to the ground, Glennon got off a pass attempt that fell incomplete.

One play later, Glennon found Louis Murphy open over the middle for a 41-yard gain that set up Tampa Bay’s game-winning touchdown pass.

With Jones out until at least after the Steelers’ bye week Nov. 23, the Steelers will need more from Moats and Harrison than one tackle. Moats played 43 snaps and Harrison 29.

“I thought they did OK, but I look forward to both guys continuing to grow within their roles,” said Tomlin.

Until that happens, the Steelers need more out of Worilds.

After recording a team-high eight sacks in 2013, the Steelers felt comfortable enough with Worilds’ play to release LaMarr Woodley and place a transition tag on Worilds that pays him $9.75 million this season.

Worilds is receiving more attention from opponents, and the Steelers have countered that by running more stunts and games up front with their linebackers and defensive line in an attempt to generate more pressure.

“Sometimes, we’re a step behind. Other times, they are getting the ball off,” said Worilds, who has just one sack. “Whatever the reason is, it’s getting frustrating.”

Odds and end zones

Guard Ramon Foster, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, said he will play this week. … Harrison and rookie receiver Martavis Bryant missed practice Wednesday with illnesses. … Jacksonville, which was already without wide receiver Cecil Shorts and tight end Marcedes Lewis, won’t have rookie receiver Marqise Lee available because of a hamstring injury. … The Steelers had WPIAL officials at practice Wednesday calling penalties. Pittsburgh has been penalized 44 times in its first four games.