The first preseason game looked like just that, a first preseason game. While it was not the prettiest display of football, Ricardo Mathews and Javon Hargrave had strong overall showings in their Steelers debut. The rookie Hargrave showed a great first step and was able to be a presence in the run game and as a pass rusher.

Mathews attacked the line with power and vengeance and his pressure was the key to the Steelers interception returned for a touchdown. Both players were acquired over the off-season and both have the look to put the Steelers defensive line over the top.

The Steelers have been playing more sub-package football and in the preseason game opened in a 2-4-5 look. In these situations, Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward would be the starting two defensive linemen. While those two are great, having two players who can rotate in and sub around the two will be an added piece that they did not have last season.

Last year Cam Heyward ranked fifth in percentage of snaps played and Tuitt finished 16th. They were putting a lot of pressure on the two and would get more quality snaps with a bit of a decrease in plays. The ability to keep fresh bodies subbing in is paramount.

In 2015 the Steelers defense ranked eleventh in the league in DVOA. Their defensive line ranked 16th against the run and 7th against the pass in adjusted yard lines. Adding those two to the rotation and adjusting the defense to more sub-package football can more than make up for the loss of Steve McLendon, and that is yet to bring up Daniel McCullers who will get an increase in snaps and was drafted to fill the McLendon role.

With these additions, it would be hard not to look at their line as a top-10 defensive line which will be conditioned and consistent throughout the year. While the back end of the Steelers secondary remains questionable, football games are won up front and what the Steelers bring on the defensive line could make that secondary much better than it looks on paper in 2016.