The Pittsburgh Steelers finished up their preseason campaign with a 2-1 record, highlighted by a 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. While winning or losing games in the preseason hardly carries any real significance, the team did get valuable insights into the development of their roster. Preseason games are more about evaluating depth, testing schemes, and giving young players opportunities to make an impact, and the Steelers were able to do all of that over the past few weeks.
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Steelers' Payton Wilson makes an insane interception against the Ravens during the 2024 NFL season.
One of the standout performers in Pittsburgh has been fast-rising inside linebacker Payton Wilson. Wilson’s stock has been steadily climbing, and the preseason gave fans a clear look at why. Known for his speed and aggressive play style, Wilson has been making key tackles, demonstrating sideline-to-sideline range, and showing a knack for reading plays before they develop. His presence in the middle of the defense gives the Steelers a versatile and dynamic linebacker who can both cover tight ends and disrupt the running game.
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger recently broke down game tape on his Instagram featuring Wilson alongside Patrick Queen and was impressed by what he saw. He couldn’t help but rave about the combination of speed, physicality, and intensity the Steelers’ linebackers bring to the field. With Wilson continuing to rise and a supporting cast of young talent around him, Baldinger believes Pittsburgh’s defense could be one of the nastiest units in the NFL for the 2025 season.
"These two linebackers, [Patrick] Queen and [Payton] Wilson, when your middle linebackers are fast, your defense is fast," Baldinger said. "Watch Payton Wilson blitz, recognize the ball is out and then double back and make the play. This defense is going to be fast and nasty. Payton Wilson is going to be a big part of it."
While the Steelers’ defense faltered in the biggest moments of the 2024 season, it forced Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan to make sweeping changes in the offseason. They did just that through the draft, free agency, and some significant trades. The Steelers brought in Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to bolster the cornerback room alongside Joey Porter Jr.
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Steelers' cornerback Jalen Ramsey attempts to lock down wide receiver DK Metcalf during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
That group is expected to be locked down, and while Ramsey didn’t see much action on Thursday night, he had a standout moment when he drew a flag for a perceived late hit. The play fired up Steeler Nation, who are eager to see their defense return to the days of nasty, dominant, hard-hitting football.
A select few fans were not thrilled with the penalty, but sometimes that momentum, when done right, can fire up a defense. That's why many Steelers fans didn't mind Ramsey getting a little nasty.
Steelers' Defense Expected To Be Amongst The NFL's Best In The 2025 NFL Season
Many pundits believe this defense is poised to be one of the top units in the league for the 2025 season. TJ Watt is fired up and ready to break records, determined to remind the NFL why he considers himself the best defensive player in the league.
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Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Cam Heyward and the rest of the leaders on the defense are ready to dominate. All eyes will be on this Steelers defense, as many analysts believe it could be strong enough to carry Aaron Rodgers and the offense. Rodgers has come to the Steel City for the 2025 season and if he can steer the offense to an above average season. The defense should be able to do the rest.
What do you think about the speed of the Steelers defense heading into the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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