Steelers Finish Preseason 2-1 Amid Sloppy Play, Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers closed their 2025 preseason with a 19-10 win over the Carolina Panthers, but the game exposed significant issues in their play, including poor tackling, penalties, and inconsistent rushing offense. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed disappointment with the team's sloppy performance, highlighting 13 penalties and 100 rushing yards allowed by halftime as indicators of poor tackling. The preseason also saw injuries to key players, notably first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who suffered a knee injury expected to sideline him for weeks, raising questions about Tomlin's decision to play starters in a low-stakes game. Analysts and insiders criticized the starters for lacking intensity and focus, suggesting some players were not fully invested in the game, which contributed to the subpar showing. Despite the victory, the Steelers face challenges in improving their run game and solidifying roster spots, with concerns that the preseason struggles could carry over into the regular season. Tomlin's leadership style, described as stubborn and tough, came under scrutiny as it may have contributed to preventable injuries and inconsistent performances during the preseason.