Despite mounting defensive struggles and a two-game losing streak, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, stating that stripping Austin of his play-calling duties is “not on the table today.” This firm stance comes as the Steelers prepare for a challenging matchup against the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts, with fan frustration over the team’s defensive performance reaching a fever pitch.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, historically known for their formidable defense, find themselves in an uncharacteristic position. After back-to-back losses that saw opponents exploit their defensive unit, Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed growing concerns, particularly surrounding Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin. Tomlin’s message was clear: no immediate changes are planned for Austin’s role.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin was direct when asked about the possibility of taking over defensive play-calling. He told reporters, “it’s not on the table today,” echoing sentiments from past seasons and signaling continued trust in Austin. This decision comes despite significant criticism from the fan base and media regarding the defense’s recent performances.
A Deep Dive into Recent Defensive Struggles
The Steelers’ defense has notably faltered in recent weeks, allowing an average of 34 points in their last two games. This dip in performance followed a three-game win streak that was snapped by the Cincinnati Bengals in a 33-31 loss on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. Just days later, the Green Bay Packers delivered another blow, defeating Pittsburgh 35-25 on Sunday Night Football, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
These losses highlighted glaring vulnerabilities. Against the Bengals, 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco turned back the clock, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers’ Jordan Love was equally effective, completing 20 straight passes at one point and finishing with 360 yards and three scores. These performances have left the Steelers ranked last in the league against the pass, conceding 273.3 yards per game through the air, according to AOL.com.
It’s not just the passing game; Pittsburgh’s run defense is also struggling, ranking 18th in the league. Four opponents have already surpassed the century mark against them on the ground. This combination of struggles has seen the unit, which historically ranked top 10 in points allowed, drop to 22nd in the NFL in scoring defense this season.
Tomlin’s Continued Confidence and Austin’s Tenure
Tomlin’s defense of Austin is rooted in a long-standing professional relationship. “I’ve known Teryl a long time. He’s very capable. He’s very thorough,” Tomlin stated. “I’ve largely been pleased with his work, but certainly he and I are not pleased with where we are right now from a defensive unit perspective, and so we’re just going to keep working,” as reported by AP Photo via Doric Sam.
Austin has been the Steelers’ defensive coordinator since 2022, building on a prior tenure with the organization. This isn’t the first time Austin’s position has come under scrutiny. In the 2023 season, after a string of defensive struggles that saw Pittsburgh give up an average of 26.83 points over their last six regular season games, there were calls for a change. However, Austin returned for his fourth year as DC, a testament to Tomlin’s consistent belief in his capabilities.
The Steelers’ team identity has long been built on defensive prowess. Significant resources have been invested in the defense over the years, aiming to maintain that standard. This makes the current performance, particularly the two recent consecutive losses, all the more perplexing for fans and analysts.
What’s Next: A Formidable Challenge Ahead
The road ahead offers no respite for Pittsburgh’s struggling defense. Their next opponent is the Indianapolis Colts, currently boasting the best record in the league at 7-1 and holding the pole position for the AFC’s top seed. The Colts average 33.8 points and 385.3 yards per game, both top marks in the league, according to Field Level Media.
Indianapolis presents a dual threat. Quarterback Daniel Jones is enjoying a career resurgence, while running back Jonathan Taylor is building an MVP campaign with 14 total touchdowns and 1,056 scrimmage yards through eight games. This mirrors a past encounter where the Colts defeated the Steelers 27-24 in the 2024 season, with Taylor racking up 108 total yards.
Tomlin emphasized the team’s resolve despite the current challenges. “We make no excuses about how or why we fall short. Our job is to perform at a high level, and we haven’t done that,” Tomlin stated. “Seven games or whatever doesn’t make a season. We certainly got more in front of us and more opportunities to write our story, whether it’s individuals, whether it’s a component of our team or whether it’s our team in general. I think that’s our general mindset.”
The upcoming game against the Colts will be a critical test for Austin’s defensive scheme and Tomlin’s unwavering faith. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Steelers can turn the tide and reclaim their defensive identity.
