Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 Steelers who must play bigger roles in 2013
By Matt Shetler
Jason Worilds
September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds (93) reacts after his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (not pictured) during the first quarter at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
With James Harrison out of the picture, the Steelers are going to need much more of a pass rush than they had a season ago.
That answer could come in the draft, but all signs point to Worilds getting the first opportunity.
The fourth-year pro out of Virginia Tech had five sacks in part time duty a season ago and if he is healthy and can be on the field for 16 games, you would hope that he could rack up double-digit sacks in 2013.
The success or failures of Worilds will be one of the most closely watched parts of the 2013 season, and truthfully you can throw LaMarr Woodley’s name into the mix there as well.
But Worilds will be closely watched for sure.
The problem though is health. Worilds has never been able to stay healthy for a full season, and he hasn’t done enough to emerge. That being said, if he can find a way to stay on the field and be productive, there is a good chance that the Steelers will have found their next star linebacker.
If he doesn’t, well it is back to the drawing board.