Steelers' Karl Dunbar Isn't Worried About Players' Feelings: "They Shouldn't Be Happy"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the most expensive defense in the league, so the expectations from the fans and the media are very high. During the first half of the 2024 season, any defensive struggles have been overshadowed by the numerous issues on the offense and the quarterback controversy. Now that Russell Wilson is under center and the offense is steadily improving, the focus is shifting toward the defense. This week, the question has been, how could they allow the New York Giants to run for 157 yards?

The fans and the media have been especially critical of the Steelers' run defense. They previously were known for being tough to run against, but they allowed Tyrone Tracey Jr. to pick up an average of 7.2 yards per carry. This was a marked increase over the Week 7 win over the New York Jets, where they only allowed Breece Hall an average of 3.2 yards per carry. 

When Steelers Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar was asked about the defensive struggles against the run, he indicated he was displeased. Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweeted on X that Dunbar isn't worried about what the defensive players think, saying they should be worried about what he thinks. 

"Steelers DL Coach Karl Dunbar on if his guys are annoyed the run defense is struggling: 'I'm annoyed and that should be enough. When daddy's not happy, they shouldn't be happy,'" recalled Batko in a tweet.

Keeanu Benton has been under criticism for his step back this season. During the 2024 offseason, Benton was projected to be a breakout star. He received high praise from teammates like Cameron Heyward and former players like Ike Taylor. Benton was expected to take more snaps on the defensive line and become more of a leader as Heyward gets older. Fortunately, Heyward has been playing at an All-Pro level this season, which has helped to minimize some of Benton's struggles. 

Dunbar and Head Coach Mike Tomlin have dealt with injuries on defense all season, with Cory Trice Jr. and Nick Herbig out. Edge rusher Alex Highsmith has just returned from an injury and has been playing at a high level. Regardless, injuries require constant adjustment and adaptation. In addition, interior linebackers and linemen seemed to be lined up incorrectly and were missing tackles. However, if they adjust their schemes too much, opponents will switch to a more pass-heavy offense and gash them in the air. 

The bread and butter of the Black and Gold is playing well in cold weather. The Steelers always field tough, hardnose teams that play the smashmouth football that is most successful in the freezing cold conditions the AFC North faces in the second half of the season. When they return from the bye in Week 10, they will face the Washington Commanders and then move into their divisional games against teams with significant run games, like the Baltimore Ravens. Coach Dunbar and the defense must figure out how to close the gaps, or it could get ugly.  

The Steelers Off To A Strong Start

If the Steelers can hammer out some of their defensive issues during their bye week break, they might have a legitimate shot at making a run in the postseason. Recently, former Super Bowl-winning cornerback Bryant McFadden said he sees similarities between this team and the team he played for in 2005. 

The Steelers are currently 6-2 and alone atop the AFC North. McFadden said they have a real shot at winning in the postseason. He added that once you hit the postseason, everyone's record resets and every team is equal. 

No one believed the 2005 Steelers team would make it to the postseason, let alone the Super Bowl. However, they believed in themselves, and that belief translated to success.     

What do you think is going wrong with the Steelers' defense? Click to comment below. 

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