Steelers new DC Patrick Graham embracing expectations, building communication through music

The Steelers got back on the training field this week as the organization held its first week of OTAs. For fans, the reporting and videos that circulated this week were our first look at how the new-look Steelers will operate under Mike McCarthy and his freshly assembled coaching staff. Among that staff is new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the first assistant coach McCarthy hired after being named the Steelers’ top man.

During a media availability period this week, Graham gave several insights into how he’s acclimating to Pittsburgh, what his process looks like as a coach, and what his hopes and expectations will be for the defense this year.

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Whether or not Graham can get more out of the Steelers’ well-paid defense than the previous regime is a metric the fanbase will certainly be judging the new defensive coordinator by. To his credit, Graham isn’t shrinking away from those expectations. The Steelers defense has had some high highs in recent years, looking like one of the league’s top units at times when it was able to generate sacks and turnovers. But also endured more than its fair share of frustrating stretches, and the predictable nature of the Steelers’ play calling was the subject of outside ridicule on more than one occasion.

It’s a fine line Graham must walk in bringing change. A complete shake-up is likely unwise. After all, the Steelers still have several players who have found success with the previous system and have familiarity with the terminology and their responsibilities within the defense, which should let them play fast and loose, at least in theory. Graham’s challenge will be to revamp the parts that have grown stale and outdated, while also remaining true to elements of the defense that this team still does well.