Outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt stole the headlines last week, scoring a defensive touchdown apiece to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Cleveland Browns. It was a sight to see for sure. Highsmith ended up as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
But it’s all a mirage. OK, maybe not a mirage, but this is definitely glossing over just how bad the Steelers defense has been as a unit through two games.
Buy Steelers TicketsThe Steelers are 23rd in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed. They have given up 799 yards of offense, and opponents are averaging 5.4 yards per play against them. That includes 5.6 yards per rush and 173 yards on the ground per game.
It really felt like the Steelers made strides this offseason to beef up the defensive line, add playmakers at inside linebacker and improve the run defense. None of that has translated to the field.
Given how quickly the Steelers fan base turns on coaches, it is somewhat surprising that defensive coordinator Teryl Austin seems to draw no criticism at all. Pittsburgh has spent a mint on building that side of the football, and they are grossly underperforming. Maybe his seat should be just as warm as that of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
