The Pittsburgh Steelers’ former intimidator and legendary linebacker James Harrison has never been one to shy away from keeping it real. As his career was winding down, he experienced some tough moments with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Harrison has since reflected on those times and been honest about how Tomlin was not always completely transparent with him. That is just the nature of the NFL business, where even the realest, toughest players in the world have to navigate the difficult and often impersonal decisions that come with the game.
Deebo & Joe Podcast YouTube
Steelers great James Harrison speaking with former NFL standout cornerback Joe Haden on their podcast.
For the Steelers, the 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. With a 5-4 record heading into Week 11, they have a chance to get revenge over the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday. The Bengals previously beat the Steelers in Week 7 at Cincinnati, making this matchup especially important for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. Fans are watching closely to see if the team can make the adjustments necessary to turn the season around.
Harrison has been vocal about Pittsburgh’s struggles this year, offering candid insights along the way. During the latest episode of the Deebo & Joe podcast, Harrison sat down with co-host Joe Haden and explained what he believes are the four most critical things Tomlin and the Steelers must do to secure a win over the Bengals. His perspective blends his on-field experience with a no-nonsense approach, giving fans a clear picture of what it will take for Pittsburgh to come out on top.
"We have to stop the run," Harrison said Friday on his Deebo & Joe podcast. "We gave up 140-plus yards last time. And we have to sack Joe Flacco. Not pressure him, we have to sack him. Something else we need to do is don't be leaving our DBs out there one-on-one on this dude all the time."
Many expected the Steelers' defense to seriously tee off the first time around against veteran Joe Flacco. The Steelers were only able to sack him twice. Flacco protected the football, did not turn it over, and helped the Bengals’ offense put up 470 yards of total offense.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt and Keeanu Benton get home on a sack of Joe Flacco while playing the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025.
Harrison knows that is not acceptable, and he believes sacks have to happen all game long for the Steelers to come out with a win. During the last contest, the Steelers' defense was in Flacco's face, but couldn't get the sacks home. Harrison believes they must do that to win this game.
"We used to have a defense when Coach [Dick] LeBeau was there, it was called Double the Stars," Harrison said. "That means you take away that, as long as your pass rush is getting there, it negates all of that. We have to play situationally better when it counts. And offensively, we need to run the ball."
Steelers Need A Win Against The Bengals At Home
Harrison’s advice is a reminder that even in a season with ups and downs, the fundamentals still matter. The Steelers have the talent and experience to turn things around, but execution will be key.
Benjamin B. Braun / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers longtime Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks on during the 2023 season.
Fans will be watching closely on Sunday to see if Tomlin and his team can put Harrison’s tips into action and finally earn a much-needed win over the Bengals.
The Steelers sure do have their work cut out for them to get back in the win column, but they certainly can do it. The Bengals’ offense exposed this defense last time, and now the Steelers will be looking for revenge at home.
Out of the four critical tips James Harrison shared, which one do you think will have the biggest impact on Pittsburgh’s chances of beating the Bengals, and why? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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