If you’ve already heard new Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats talk, you know by now that he’s a very intelligent player. Moats’ intelligence is currently being put the test with him having to learn the complex defense of coordinator Dick LeBeau.
With Moats already having played for three defensive coordinators in his first four years in the league, he doesn’t see having to pick up yet another defense as an issue.
“I feel like my situation in Buffalo helped me out a lot,” said Moats in a recent interview with Teresa Varley of steelers.com. “I was constantly learning something new, so it definitely helps with the adjustment. I just have to get the terminology down here.”
With Moats, he’s not only having to pick up a new defense, he’s also being asked to learn it inside and out as he’ll be expected to play outside and inside linebacker in a pinch with the Steelers as a backup.
During his time with the Bills, Moats mostly played inside in a 4-3 defense after playing defensive end in college. With so much to learn, it appears as though he’s getting the necessary help not only from the Steelers coaching staff, but other players in addition.
“You can’t come out here halfway studying the defense and expect to come out here and perform at your best,” said Moats. “With the veterans here they are communicating well and they are making the process a lot smoother for me.”
In four seasons with the Bills, Moats registered 141 total tackles in 59 games played. In addition to being a swing backup linebacker for the Steelers, he’ll also be expected to be one of the top special teams players on the roster as well. Last season with the Bills, Moats played 34.6% of all special teams snaps.
The Steelers are back on the field on Tuesday as the second set of OTA practices are taking place this week.
