Steelers Defense Posts Historic Struggles Amid NFL Season Challenges

The Pittsburgh Steelers, historically known for their strong defense, are currently facing significant struggles on that side of the ball despite having veteran additions like cornerback Jalen Ramsey and star player T.J. Watt. Analysts and commentators, including Stephen A. Smith, have noted that the Steelers' defense is performing at its worst level in decades, allowing high passing yards to multiple quarterbacks consecutively and ranking near the bottom in total and scoring defense. This defensive decline is particularly concerning given the strong play of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose efforts are being undermined by the inability of the defense to make stops or pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively. Head coach Mike Tomlin has publicly expressed frustration and hinted at the possibility of changes before the trade deadline to address these issues. The defense's shortcomings have already contributed to losses against teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, raising doubts about the Steelers' playoff prospects if the defense does not improve. The team faces a challenging schedule ahead, including games against the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts, where their defensive weaknesses could be exploited further.