The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a brutal stretch of their schedule, and it couldn't have come at a worse time with the playoffs right around the corner. The team lost its third consecutive game on Wednesday as they were blown out at home by the Kansas City Chiefs. There weren't many bright spots to take away from the game for the Steelers, but there should a ton of concern. The defense has looked atrocious over the last three games, while the offense has struggled to get anything going.
Alyssa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick celebrates after making a big tackle during a loss to the Chiefs in 2024.
A big part of the winning formula for the Steelers is creating turnovers and winning the turnover battle, which is something Pittsburgh has not been able to do throughout their losing streak. The blame for that falls partly on the offense, but also the defense. The defense has been fighting through some injuries over the last several weeks, but they were near full health against Kansas City and had arguably their worst performance of the year. Team insider Mark Kaboly spoke with some players after the game, and he is getting the sense that there is one constant issue with the defense that will be outed soon.
Trouble brewing in paradise in Steelers land?
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 25, 2024
The sense I am getting are the players are getting closer and closer of outing the person who they feel is a big part of the problem on defense.
Patrick Queen on the "slump" the defense is in:
“Can’t explain it, it’s happening. We…
The defense is certainly in a slump, and players have been concerned with the effort being shown over the last two weeks. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen was frustrated after the loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, as he vaguely called out some teammates for not knowing their responsibilities.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen after forcing a huge fumble against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Whatever the issue is, it is important that it gets figured out and resolved before the postseason comes around. The Steelers have 10 days until their regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, and it is critical that the team is able to iron out their issues and gain some confidence back before the playoffs.
Kaboly didn't specify who could be causing these issues, but it could make sense if it were a defensive coach or specific players. Names that come to mind are obviously Teryl Austin, who is in charge of calling the defensive plays throughout a game. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is a defensive-minded coach, and he plays a large role in game planning throughout the week for the defense. Something is causing issues, and it could very easily be the duo in charge of running the defense.
The issue could also be specific players. The Steelers' defense has been pretty banged up lately, so players who don't usually start are seeing more snaps. This lack of experience could be what is plaguing the Pittsburgh defense.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Nick Herbig gets a strip-sack on Joe Burrow as the defense gets a scoop and score against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
Steelers Will Likely Struggle To Rectify Defensive Woes In Week 18
Pittsburgh has a lot to fix before the playoffs begin, and they will finish the regular season up with the Bengals. Pittsburgh has struggled against the pass over the last three weeks, as they gave up 320 passing yards in the loss to the Chiefs. This isn't ideal as the Steelers will host one of the most prolific passing offenses in the league with Joe Burrow at the helm. The Bengals will likely still be fighting for a playoff spot by the time the game rolls around, so it will be important the defense steps up ahead of the playoffs.
What do you think could be the issue plaguing the defense? Let us know in the comments below!
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