Mark Madden: NFL's highest-paid defense isn't pulling its weight but still might salvage Steelers' reputation

In the NFL’s defensive rankings, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand fourth from the bottom in yards and 10th from the bottom in points.

Apparently, $108 million doesn’t buy what it used to. It’s the highest-paid defense in football but nowhere near the best.

The Steelers rank 21st in time of possession. But they have the ball just 27 seconds shy of half the game on average, so the defense isn’t on the field an egregious amount.

Being without T.J. Watt since late in Week 1 provides a better excuse for the defense.

Now Watt is back. That excuse is gone.

How good will the Steelers defense be starting Sunday at home vs. New Orleans?

Probably much better. Until Watt gets hurt again.

If Watt plays a decent number of snaps, the improvement should be vast and immediate. Watt’s presence trickles down.

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Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward will be better when he’s a secondary threat. So will Alex Highsmith, the edge rusher on the opposite side from Watt.

Highsmith has 6½ sacks, but only one in his last four games and none in his last two. Highsmith is Robin, not Batman.

It will be curious to see how safety Damontae Kazee blends in after returning from injury.

Kazee is a Swiss Army knife, capable of lining up all over the place, and that enables the defense to do a lot more. He’s adept at finding the ball, too. He led the NFL in interceptions with seven in 2018. Kazee allows the Steelers to use three-safety sets.

It’s equally intriguing to see what newly acquired cornerback William Jackson III contributes. As a legit cover corner, Jackson should be able to jump right in. A cover corner’s duties don’t change depending on team and scheme. Just play man.

The Steelers defense has good personnel. Duh. For $108 million, it should.

Watt, Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are top caliber, with eight All-Pro selections among them.

Some lesser lights are a good fit, like Arthur Maulet in the blitz nickel role that Mike Hilton used to occupy.

But former first-round pick Devin Bush has been a grotesque disappointment at inside linebacker.

Defensive lineman Tyson Alualu is washed up.

Most disturbingly, the whole of the Steelers defense doesn’t equal the sum of the parts, let alone the sum of the paycheck.

What’s that say about the coaching?

The Steelers have the equivalent of three defensive coordinators in Teryl Austin (who actually has that title), Brian Flores and head coach Mike Tomlin. Among them, how can those three not find a way to make that talent add up?

Austin, Flores and Tomlin might be doing a worse job than offensive coordinator Matt Canada. They certainly have more to work with.

Sacks have fallen off terribly. Last year the Steelers had a league-best 55. This season, they have 15 in eight games and are on pace to total just 32. Pressure is minimal. That’s largely due to Watt’s absence, but not entirely.

The Steelers have 10 takeaways this season and are on pace to match last year’s 22. Takeaways are aided by pressure, but there’s also a random element.

The defense can’t save the Steelers’ season.

But with Watt back, perhaps it can salvage its reputation to some degree.

Canada isn’t supposed to be an elite offensive coordinator. The Steelers defense was thought to be dominant. Place blame fairly.

Whatever you do, don’t blame Kenny Pickett. No matter how bad he plays.