Steelers Make a Move for Superstar Veteran Defender Amid Poor Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers are aiming to bounce back after a tough defensive outing that shook their confidence. Following a strong 3-0 start where they allowed the fewest points in the NFL, the Steelers’ top-ranked defense struggled against the Indianapolis Colts, conceding two touchdowns and a field goal in the Colts’ first three possessions. This early hole contributed to Pittsburgh’s 27-24 loss on Sunday.

By halftime, the Colts had racked up 17 points and 239 yards, a stark contrast to the 8.7 points and 229 yards per game the Steelers’ defense allowed during their undefeated start. The tone was set early when a 32-yard pass on the Colts’ opening drive was followed by a ground attack that led to a quick 7-0 lead, all against the NFL’s second-ranked run defense.

Steelers’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin wasn’t shocked by the Colts’ success on the ground, particularly with the Steelers in a nickel defense. He noted the sub-package left Pittsburgh vulnerable to the run. Combine that with the Steelers’ lack of turnovers for the second straight game, a quiet outing for star linebacker T.J. Watt—who had only two assisted tackles—and just two sacks, the defense couldn’t find a way to stop the bleeding.

“We didn’t get off the field when we needed to, especially on third down,” said defensive captain Cameron Heyward, referencing the Colts’ 8-for-15 third-down conversions. “We weren’t maximizing turnovers, and we weren’t stopping the run. That’s the bottom line. There’s a lot to improve on.”

Despite the defensive letdown, Heyward insisted the team’s focus isn’t on proving their performance in Indianapolis was an anomaly. “Honestly, no,” he said. “The motivation is that we’re playing the Dallas Cowboys. That speaks for itself—Sunday Night Football, two good teams. That’s enough motivation.”

The Steelers face a tough test against a Cowboys team that recently snapped a two-game losing streak and has had extra rest following a win over the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. With a 2-0 road record, the Cowboys feature the NFL’s highest-paid player in quarterback Dak Prescott and a dynamic offense led by wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Austin expects Prescott to attack the Steelers’ defense similarly to how Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco found success last weekend. “There’s no secret to it,” Austin said. “We get back to work. We’ve been more successful than not this year, and we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The Steelers’ defense, which began the season with four interceptions and a fumble recovery in wins against Atlanta and Denver, has cooled off. Joey Porter Jr. dropped a key interception in the end zone against the Colts, and the defense has failed to recover any of the three fumbles forced over the past two weeks. Heyward emphasized the need to tighten up, particularly in forcing turnovers.

“If the ball hits the ground, we need to be the first to pounce on it. If there’s a chance to intercept a pass, we have to make the play. Against a team like Dallas, you can’t give them second chances,” Heyward said.

The Steelers have blitzed less frequently this season, sending extra pressure on just 22.4% of defensive snaps compared to 34.1% last year. This shift places more responsibility on the front four to generate pressure while offering extra support for the secondary.

Heyward acknowledged the challenge Prescott presents. “We’re playing a quarterback that will wait for single coverage and exploit it. We need to help our secondary as much as we can and control the line of scrimmage in both the run and pass game.”

Watt, typically a game-wrecker for the Steelers, wasn’t a major factor against the Colts, in part due to missing his outside linebacker counterpart, Alex Highsmith. Watt didn’t record a solo tackle and was frustrated by holding calls that weren’t flagged. Austin didn’t seem overly concerned, saying, “Great pass rushers get held. T.J. is going to get held every week. Our job is to fight through it and put him in better situations.”

Another player yet to make a splash this season is All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who hasn’t created a turnover in 2024. Despite leading the team in solo tackles, Fitzpatrick hasn’t seen more opportunities, even with the additions of veterans DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson to the secondary. Austin remains confident, saying, “I know what kind of player Minkah is. Those big plays will come. I’m not worried about that.”

With a primetime showdown against the Cowboys looming, the Steelers will look to correct their mistakes and get back to their dominant defensive ways. Austin summed up the focus: “We just need to get back to what we do best.”

As both teams prepare for Week 5, the Steelers’ defense will be key to securing a win and proving their early-season form wasn’t a fluke.