Through the Pittsburgh Steelers' three-game losing streak, the team didn't play their best football on either side of the ball. The offense was without star wide receiver George Pickens for two of the three games and Russell Wilson made multiple mistakes that were costly in the end. However, the defense was a glaring issue for the three-game stretch. With Head Coach Mike Tomlin putting defense first, Pittsburgh's defensive unit has been the better part of the team for a few years when the offense has struggled. Recently, it's been clear there's been a problem on defense and it comes at the worst point of the season.
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Steelers' defense gets ready for a play against the Browns in Week 12 during the 2024 regular season.
Through the three-game losing stretch, the Steelers' defense gave up 90 points and 1,208 total yards. Through their five-game winning streak during Weeks 6 through 11, the defense held their opponents to 18 points or under each game (except for one game against the Washington Commanders). Players have voiced their frustrations about the defensive play as of late and blamed it on communication issues.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, who just got voted into the 2025 Pro Bowl, spoke to the media on Thursday about the defensive communication issues. Fitzpatrick was clearly frustrated after Week 17's 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after he told the media he wasn't speaking. The safety finally spoke about the defense and revealed what has been going wrong.
"I think teams are scheming us," Fitzpatrick admitted. "They're knowing that we're having some issues with motions and stacks and bunches and stuff like that. Because if you look at the stuff we've been beat on, or when guys are running open, it's stuff that each team kind of got from the last two. So, we've made a big emphasis this week on those style of plays, and even plays that can stem from it, working on communication, everybody being on the same page, and playing fastball."
It's not known if there's one or multiple personnel to blame for the lack of defensive efficiency. Wide receivers have been left wide open on many plays and it was shown on full display during the Chiefs game on Christmas Day. Patrick Mahomes had his best game since Week 5 of this season, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns.
Fitzpatrick hasn't had the splashiest of seasons like Steeler Nation is used to. He finally had his first interception since the 2022 season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has called Fitzpatrick a lid on the defense. Besides the past few games, no huge plays have gotten past Fitzpatrick. On plays that have, it also could be on miscommunication issues between different players. Fitzpatrick is an experienced veteran and some newer guys on the team may not be on the same page as him just yet.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick at practice before a Week 18 matchup against the Bengals.
Fitzpatrick was asked if he was confident that this issue would be fixed and he said it would be. He seemed confident in his answer and that will be put to the test against a high-powered Cincinnati Bengals team that they'll face during their regular season finale. Pittsburgh's defense only has two guaranteed opportunities to get back to the tough defense it's known for and it comes at the most important time of the year.
Steelers Defenders Take Back Week 17 Postgame Comments
Players like Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen and Cameron Heyward had some emotional words after the Chiefs loss. In the heat of the moment, harsh words were exchanged during media availability during postgame interviews.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward gets ready to make a play during Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin admitted during a press conference on Monday that the situation was handled, but the players were saying those things because they care about the game. Queen, Elliott and Heyward went back on these comments throughout the week leading up to Week 18 and clarified what they were trying to say. Although they were stating the brutal truth about the state of this defense, there's some hope they've figured it out somewhat before heading into the playoffs.
What do you think of Fitzpatrick's comments about the defensive issues? Will they be fixed? Let us know in the comments!
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