Steelers' James Harrison Gets Honest About Defensive Concerns: "Not Impressed Or Happy"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had many pundits believing they would be a real strength for the organization in the 2025 season. After the 34-32 Week 1 victory over the New York Jets, this defense showed plenty of reason for concern. To start, the Steelers allowed the Jets to run 39 times for 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns. That highly compensated defensive front gave up 4.7 yards per carry, while also allowing quarterback Justin Fields to throw for 218 passing yards and a touchdown. Fields added two more touchdowns on the ground, demonstrating a level of dual-threat play that kept the Steelers defense off balance throughout the game.

Overall, Fields looked tremendous, arguably better than he has in quite some time, and Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes struggled to contain him. The linebackers were often caught out of position, and the secondary failed to limit big plays despite the narrow victory. While the Steelers’ offense managed to keep the team in the game, the defense’s inability to consistently stop the run or pressure the quarterback left fans and analysts questioning whether this unit can carry its reputation as a strength through the rest of the season.

Steelers' former linebacker James Harrison joined Joe Haden on Deebo & Joe to share his thoughts on the game. Harrison wasn’t ready to sound the alarm, noting that Week 1 can be misleading and that adjustments can be made. Still, he admitted there is reason for concern, especially with the way Fields was able to exploit gaps in both the line and the secondary. His perspective highlighted a cautious optimism: while the defense has the talent to rebound, there is no denying that their performance against the Jets raised questions heading into Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.

"We gotta be able to stop the run," Harrison said Monday while breaking down the Week 1 win over the Jets on his podcast. "I was not impressed or happy with how our d-line was playing, how the whole defense was playing. We didn't have any real consistency in stopping the run. I think they almost averaged five yards a carry."

Harrison knows how the NFL works and isn’t going to be a prisoner of the moment. This defense didn’t get the job done in Week 1, but when it mattered most, they made the stop they needed. 

Harrison is hopeful that Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin can make the necessary adjustments as the season progresses.

"You add that to the fact that we didn't have real consistent quarterback pressure on [Fields] to get him to be able to have to let the ball go sooner than he wanted to," Harrison said. "That's my biggest issue. I don't see it as a panic. I just see it as concern. It's the first game. You have guys that come out and play up. You have some guys that may get a little nervous and may not play up to the level that they're capable of."

Steelers' Defense Looking To Make Statement In Week 2 Against Seattle

The Steelers defense will have a chance for redemption in Week 2 as the home opener gets ready to kick off at Acrisure Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks will be rolling into the Steel City looking to earn their first win of the season.

With all the noise about the concerns from Week 1 and remembering what Fields and the Jets did to them for much of the game, it’s safe to say this defense will be looking to make a statement in Week 2.

On a scale of 1-10, how worried are you about the way the Steelers' defense played in Week 1 against the New York Jets? 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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