Exploring The Steelers Failing Defense After Two Weeks

For decades, defense has been synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers — a statement we are certain you have all heard many time before.

Yet just two weeks into the 2025 season, that reputation is facing a serious challenge. Despite a roster stacked with elite talent, the Steelers' defense has appeared vulnerable, disorganized, and alarmingly easy to exploit. They've surrendered over 30 points in consecutive games, failed to record a single sack from perennial All-Pro T.J. Watt, and have been consistently shredded in the run game.

What is unfortunate is that the Steelers defense has a myriad of issues that can't be resolved simply in one season - these issues have been a long time coming.

A Defensive Line Exposed -

What has become evident over the first two games is that the interior of the Steelers' defensive line has been a liability—particularly third-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.

In Week 1, the Jets rushed for 182 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, with much of their success coming through the interior gaps. Benton was consistently pushed off his spot, struggled to anchor against double teams, and was frequently out of position on zone runs. Although the Steelers showed slight improvement against the Seahawks in Week 2, the defense still allowed 119 rushing yards, and Benton continued to have minimal impact at the point of attack.

This raises serious questions about the Steelers' coaching staff, who appear unwilling to acknowledge that Benton lacks the strength and savvy required to play nose tackle—something that was already apparent in Week 1.

Overall, the Steelers' defensive line has been a major disappointment, especially considering preseason expectations. After two weeks, Pittsburgh ranks 30th out of 32 teams in rushing defense, allowing an average of 182 rushing yards per game and recording only two sacks. At this rate, the defense is trending toward being historically poor.

Vulnerable Up The Middle -

Let’s begin with the most glaring vulnerability Sam Darnold and the Seahawks exploited with ease in the Steelers Week 2 loss - the middle of the defense is wide open for business.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Sam Darnold completed seven passes between the numbers in Week 2 — most of them targeting the short and intermediate middle zones, especially between the hashes and just beyond the line of scrimmage:

• Short Middle (0–10 yards): 5 completions

• Intermediate Middle (10–20 yards): 2 completions

• Deep Middle (20+ yards): 0 completions

  
  

Those throws accounted for a sizable chunk of Darnold’s yardage — not explosive, but effective. He didn’t score through the middle, but he repeatedly moved the chains, especially on third downs and play-action. And it wasn’t an isolated case. In Week 1, Jets QB Jalen Hurts found similar success, using motion and play-action to manipulate Pittsburgh’s linebackers and safeties. The result: easy completions, sustained drives, and a defense that couldn’t get off the field.

Who Should Be Accountable?

When evaluating the disappointing performance of the Steelers' defense thus far, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin often finds himself in the spotlight. While criticism directed at Austin may be warranted, he is not the sole figure who should be held accountable.

In general, Austin has relied heavily on zone coverage schemes, particularly Cover 3 and Tampa 2. However, execution has been subpar, and in-game adjustments have been nonexistent. Linebackers are slow to drop into coverage, safeties are late on their rotations, and communication breakdowns have created glaring vulnerabilities in the middle of the field — issues that were notably exploited by the Jets in Week 1.

Head coach Mike Tomlin famously described this defense as “potentially historic” during training camp. But leadership is not just about optimism — it’s about accountability. To date, Tomlin has yet to publicly challenge Austin’s strategy or acknowledge the systemic issues undermining the unit.

On paper, the Steelers boast a star-studded defensive roster: Jalen Ramsey, Cam Heyward, Darius Slay, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Patrick Queen — a collection of Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent. Yet football isn’t played on paper. The current scheme is misusing its stars, and the coaching staff has failed to adapt.

Are There Any Solution?

The unfortunate reality is that these issues have accumulated over several seasons. As such, implementing a permanent solution—rather than a temporary fix—this season is likely not feasible. That said, here are some ideas that may help.

• Simplify the coverage schemes: They should consider tightening zone responsibilities and using more man-to-man concepts to reduce confusion and improve execution.

  
  

• Improve communication and reaction time: Linebackers and defensive backs must communicate more effectively, react quicker, and close gaps — especially during frequent blitz packages.

• Demand leadership from the top: Tomlin must take ownership of the situation and insist on meaningful adjustments. Loyalty to staff cannot come at the expense of results.

This defense was expected to be the backbone of the team. Instead, it has become the primary reason for early-season underperformance. Unless Austin evolves and Tomlin asserts control, Pittsburgh’s season risks slipping away — not due to a lack of talent, but because of a failure to lead, adapt, and protect the heart of the defense.