The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. It is going to be an interesting game as the Steelers should be able to find a way to win the contest as Seattle clearly struggled in Week 1. The Seahawks could not get much of anything going on the offensive side of the ball, which bodes well for Pittsburgh who struggled on defense against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh still managed to win the game, but it was clear that some defensive changes needed to be made quickly, and now is a great time to do that as they will be taking on a struggling offense.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It is hard to know exactly what went wrong for the defense of Pittsburgh in Week 1, but there is no excuse for giving up 32 points to a questionable Jets offense. Changes need to be made ahead of the matchup with Seattle, especially to the run defense. It was known this was an issue all offseason, yet the Steelers still gave up nearly 200 yards on the ground. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke to the media on Thursday about some changes, including using more of rookie Yahya Black.
#Steelers DC Teryl Austin said expect to see more Yahya Black Sunday, he continues to work & improve. He's also working on his flexibility up and down the line
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) September 11, 2025
Pittsburgh selected Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he impressed throughout training camp and the preseason. He is a big presence that can make an impact on both the passing game and the running game, and he is someone that should be utilized more often in the near future after the run defense seriously struggled in Week 1 against the Jets.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman Yahya Black (78) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
In his NFL debut against the Jets, Black had two total tackles while playing under 40 percent of the total defensive snaps. His snap share should go up in Week 2 after comments from Austin, although it is unclear where he might be lining up on the defensive line. He has the size to play nose tackle, but his length and surprising quickness also makes him a good option at defensive tackle.
Teryl Austin on Yahya Black at NT vs. DT/DE: "He's capable of doing both but right now, early, we've had him at the 4(tech). ... I would be willing to bet he'll be one of those guys who has flexibility to play up and down the line when it's all said and done."
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) September 11, 2025
Austin and the rest of the coaching staff seem to believe that Black has positional versatility up and down the defensive line, which is a good thing as he can line up anywhere. By the end of the season, he should be comfortable at all positions, and hopefully he will be making a significant impact up front for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Will Be Tested By Seattle's Running Backs
Seattle has one of the more talented running back rooms in the NFL with both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Week 1 did not go well for the Seahawks as mentioned, but the duo should be expected to bounce back in Pittsburgh. Seattle's offense has the makings of a team that will be able to run all over Pittsburgh if the Steelers do not make the proper adjustment after a disappointing defensive performance in Week 1, and that is something that the fan base should be worried about.
Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks' Zach Charbonnet (26) and Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice ahead of the 2024 season.
If Pittsburgh cannot bottle up Walker and Charbonnet, it could be another long day for what is the highest-paid defense in the league. It will also require the offense to play lights out once again.
What do you think about Austin's comments on Black? Let us know in the comments below!
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