Payton Wilson breaks down Steelers defense learning Graham’s system

· Yahoo Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Payton Wilson spoke with reporters following practice at training camp on Thursday. Wilson broke down the defense's ongoing transition under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and how the unit is adapting to the practice tempo.

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Reporting from Saint Vincent College, beat writer Chris Adamski shared a video on X of Wilson reflecting on the physical tests the offense provided and the defensive group's day-to-day progression.

“You know it’s a little different,” acknowledged Wilson. “Obviously, when you’re facing backs like Jaylen [Warren] and Rico [Dowdle], so downhill, they run the ball so hard. You know it’s hard to kinda meet in the middle at the same pace.

“It’s been really great. I think each day the defense has improved. We are starting to figure out PG [Patrick Graham] and his defense and how he wants to play it. I think we did a good job all around the board, just flying around, having fun, and making plays.”

Entering his third season with Pittsburgh, Wilson noted that meeting physical running backs like Warren and Dowdle in practice forces the defense to maintain sharp angles and sound tackling fundamentals, even amid modified practice-contact rules.

Beyond individual matchups, Wilson emphasized that the overall defensive unit is making noticeable daily strides in mastering Graham’s concepts. The installation of a new scheme requires rapid processing and communication across all three levels of the defense, but Wilson believes the group is quickly settling into its assignments.

With veteran leadership anchoring the defensive front, Wilson’s comfort within Graham's system will be crucial as he aims to secure an expanded, full-time role in the linebacker rotation this season.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Payton Wilson breaks down Steelers defense learning Graham’s system

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