Steelers prepare 12 and 13 personnel packages to counter split-safety defensive looks

Head coach Mike McCarthy plans to deploy heavy tight end sets to combat the prevalence of two-deep safety coverage in the NFL. Pittsburgh intends to use 12 and 13 personnel packages featuring Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Robert Tonyan to force opponents out of nickel defensive formations. Data shows that league defenses utilized split-safety coverages on 42% of snaps last season, prompting a shift in the Steelers' tactical approach. By moving away from lighter groupings, the offense aims to dictate physical matchups at the line of scrimmage while creating favorable running lanes and passing opportunities. This strategic adjustment relies on the team's depth at the tight end position to manage varying personnel requirements. Coaching staff and beat writers suggest this approach could become a featured element of the offensive scheme this season.

• 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — How the Steelers plan to beat NFL defenses using heavy tight end sets