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It was quite a nice surprise to see the Pittsburgh Steelers hire former Miami Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores to the defensive coaching staff this past weekend. Flores will serve as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. He last was in charge of linebackers for the New England Patriots in 2017 and 2018. Flores is respected around the league as a very good defensive mind. One player more than any could certainly benefit from having Flores around and that is Devin Bush.
The Steelers linebacker had a promising rookie season back in 2019 with 109 total tackles, two interceptions and a sack. His sophomore campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL. Fans were optimistic that he would come back in 2021 and return to form, but his play reflected anything but that. He was slow to hitting holes and gaps, got beat in coverage, and didn’t seem like the guy Kevin Colbert uncharacteristically traded up for back in 2019’s first round.
Another full off-season to rehab and recover will be pivotal for Bush, but the Flores hire might be even more important. Say what you want about his 24-25 record in Miami, Flores gave the Dolphins back to back winning seasons for the first time since 2002 and 2003. The defense was a big reason why. Take out his first year with Adam Gase‘s roster and he had a record of 19-14. Flores is a great coach who quickly turned the Dolphins into a competitive team. His preparation and ability to get the best out of his players is what we can expect and hope he brings to Pittsburgh and Bush.
The biggest argument here is that in the last five years of Flores’ coaching career, a linebacker that he has coached has not been named to even the Pro Bowl. As a 10th overall pick, Steeler fans expect exceptional play from Bush, as they should. We don’t just want Bush to improve, but to be a top middle linebacker in today’s NFL.
Any improvement in his game will be a direct effect of his new linebackers coach. While Flores’ track record recently doesn’t display accolades for his linebackers, the Steelers weren’t going to hire anyone available who could do a better job than Flores. It doesn’t hurt at all that he spent over 10 years alongside Bill Belichick in New England.
Bush will heal more and more physically, but it is the mental aspect of his game that he needs to get back on track. A combination of Mike Tomlin and Flores should be able to help him through his struggles on the mental side of his play. We can expect to see a more prepared and confident Bush in 2022.
Do you think Flores can help Bush return to his rookie form? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
The Steelers linebacker had a promising rookie season back in 2019 with 109 total tackles, two interceptions and a sack. His sophomore campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL. Fans were optimistic that he would come back in 2021 and return to form, but his play reflected anything but that. He was slow to hitting holes and gaps, got beat in coverage, and didn’t seem like the guy Kevin Colbert uncharacteristically traded up for back in 2019’s first round.
Another full off-season to rehab and recover will be pivotal for Bush, but the Flores hire might be even more important. Say what you want about his 24-25 record in Miami, Flores gave the Dolphins back to back winning seasons for the first time since 2002 and 2003. The defense was a big reason why. Take out his first year with Adam Gase‘s roster and he had a record of 19-14. Flores is a great coach who quickly turned the Dolphins into a competitive team. His preparation and ability to get the best out of his players is what we can expect and hope he brings to Pittsburgh and Bush.
The biggest argument here is that in the last five years of Flores’ coaching career, a linebacker that he has coached has not been named to even the Pro Bowl. As a 10th overall pick, Steeler fans expect exceptional play from Bush, as they should. We don’t just want Bush to improve, but to be a top middle linebacker in today’s NFL.
Any improvement in his game will be a direct effect of his new linebackers coach. While Flores’ track record recently doesn’t display accolades for his linebackers, the Steelers weren’t going to hire anyone available who could do a better job than Flores. It doesn’t hurt at all that he spent over 10 years alongside Bill Belichick in New England.
Bush will heal more and more physically, but it is the mental aspect of his game that he needs to get back on track. A combination of Mike Tomlin and Flores should be able to help him through his struggles on the mental side of his play. We can expect to see a more prepared and confident Bush in 2022.
Do you think Flores can help Bush return to his rookie form? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
