Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is facing a defensive crisis. After boldly predicting “historic things” for his unit in 2025, the Steelers’ defense has plummeted to 30th in the NFL in yards allowed and dead last against the pass. Despite this alarming slide and a recent shredding by the Green Bay Packers, Tomlin publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, dismissing calls for panic and emphasizing improved execution over coaching changes.
Over the summer, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin set the bar remarkably high for his defense, envisioning “historic things” for the 2025 season during a local radio appearance. Seven weeks into the season, that vision has materialized, but not in the way anyone within the organization, or the loyal fan base, could have imagined.
The Steelers, currently sitting at 4-3, find their defense in dire straits. They rank 30th in the NFL in yards against, a low point the franchise hasn’t experienced since the late 1980s. Even more concerning, they are dead last in the league against the pass, a stark contrast to the team’s historical identity as a defensive powerhouse. This downturn has prompted questions about coaching philosophy and player accountability, yet Tomlin remains resolute.
Tomlin Backs Austin: No Panic, Just Production
Following a second consecutive week of getting “shredded”—most recently by the Green Bay Packers, where quarterback Jordan Love completed 20 straight passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns without a single interception or sack—pressure mounted on the coaching staff. Suggestions surfaced that Tomlin, known for his defensive acumen, should take over play-calling duties from Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin. However, Tomlin unequivocally brushed aside these ideas.
Speaking on Tuesday, Tomlin stated, “We just got to keep doing what we’re doing, and do it better.” He placed the onus on everyone involved, from players to coaches, to help the “well-compensated but floundering group find its footing.” This steadfast support for Austin, who has been with the club since 2019 and defensive coordinator since 2022, reflects Tomlin’s long-standing philosophy of continuity, even in the face of adversity. “I’ve largely been pleased with his work,” Tomlin said of Austin, acknowledging, “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.”
The Disappearing Takeaways and a Lack of Fight
A hallmark of Steelers defenses for years has been their ability to generate “splash plays,” particularly turnovers. This season, that critical element has vanished. After racking up 10 takeaways in their first four games, Pittsburgh failed to produce a single one throughout October.
Veteran defensive captain Cameron Heyward expressed his alarm over what he perceived as a “lack of fight” after the loss to the Packers. While Tomlin didn’t necessarily see that on tape, he emphasized the missing production. “You know, you don’t get credit for trying hard,” Tomlin asserted. “We’re not in the try-hard business. Our fight is about production and producing.” The sentiment underscores a deeper issue than just effort; it points to a failure in execution and capitalizing on opportunities. “There’s a price to pay when you miss opportunities,” Tomlin added. “And so it’s not only about producing opportunities, but it’s about taking advantage of them. And we hadn’t done that.”
This decline in defensive performance is well-documented, with the Steelers ranking near the bottom of the league in several key defensive metrics, as noted by NFL.com’s official team defensive statistics.
A Gauntlet Ahead: Challenging Schedule and Roster Adjustments
The Steelers’ path forward is anything but easy. The upcoming schedule presents a significant challenge:
- Four of their next five games are against teams currently above .500.
- This challenging stretch precedes a finish that includes two crucial showdowns with AFC North rival Baltimore, who, despite their last-place standing, will see the return of two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson this week.
To navigate this gauntlet, Pittsburgh not only needs defensive improvement but also better composure when games turn south. Tomlin observed this directly in the Packers game, where a non-call on an apparent offside penalty seemed to derail the team’s focus. He acknowledged that an experienced group should react better to adversity at the season’s midway point: “Our kids should do what we tell them to do, but they often don’t. You know, we all fall short of perfection, man. That’s why we’re always working, as individuals and as a collective, whether it’s football or life.”
Roster Moves and Offensive Efficiency
Compounding the defensive concerns, the Steelers will be without safety DeShon Elliott, who is sidelined indefinitely with a hyperextended right knee. Replacements like Chuck Clark and Jabrill Peppers are available, and the team worked out veteran safety Vonn Bell on Tuesday, a player familiar with the AFC North from his time with Cincinnati.
Interestingly, while the defense struggles, the offense has shown surprising efficiency. With 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Steelers have been productive, as detailed by Associated Press reporting on the team’s performance. Rodgers has thrown 16 touchdown passes through seven weeks, putting him on pace to challenge Ben Roethlisberger’s club record of 34 set in 2018. The team also explored strengthening its receiving corps, working out free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling, which could reunite him with Rodgers if signed.
This offensive output, with DK Metcalf leading the receiving efforts, highlights that the team’s primary concern remains the defensive unit failing to live up to its lofty preseason expectations.
Tomlin’s Legacy and the Path Ahead
Tomlin’s decision not to make a mid-season coordinator change, despite having done so two years prior with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, speaks volumes about his faith in Teryl Austin. As the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach, Tomlin’s track record suggests a patient, consistent approach, but the rapidly diminishing defensive performance poses a unique challenge.
The Steelers now face Indianapolis (7-1), a team on an “absolute heater” led by the NFL’s top offense and a resurgent Daniel Jones. This upcoming matchup will be another stern test for a defense striving to find its identity and reverse course from a path that, while “historic,” is far from what was envisioned.
