Steelers' Super Bowl Champ Airs Out Mike Tomlin's Defensive Issues: "Definitely Schematics"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL throughout the first two weeks of the 2025 season, and this is not something that was expected in the slightest. Pittsburgh seemed to have upgraded the defense throughout the 2025 offseason, and while there have been some injuries, the group has been disappointing throughout the start of the 2025 campaign. The defense played poorly at the end of 2024, but the fan base was hoping that wouldn't be a concern anymore heading into the new year.

There is no denying that the Steelers have one of the most talented defenses in the league from a personnel standpoint, but the group has not played like that in quite some time. The secondary is getting picked apart, and opposing running backs are consistently getting to the third level of the defense. Fans have been questioning whether or not this is a skill issue, or if it is a schematics issue, and Super Bowl champion Trai Essex recently went on 93.7 The Fan to share his thoughts on what he has seen thus far.

"It's not a talent issue," Essex said. "It's definitely schematics."

Most would probably agree with Essex on this matter. It doesn't take a genius to know just how talented the defense in Pittsburgh could be, which means a good chunk of the blame pie needs to fall on Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and the rest of the defensive staff.

Austin calls the defense throughout games, but it is widely understood that Tomlin plays a large role for the unit. Whatever these two are doing throughout the week leading up to a game is seemingly wrong, and the entire defensive staff needs to look at how it evaluates future opponents while also doing a serious amount of self-scouting. There is no more excuses for defensive issues. Pittsburgh has the highest-paid defense in the league for the fourth consecutive season, and it is time to act like it.

There might need to be some personnel changes made for the Steelers which certain areas on the defensive line coming into question as well as early down play from the inside linebackers. This is something for the coaching staff to look into, as well as certain techniques and situations the coaching staff is putting players in. 

Tomlin and Austin also need to get more creative with what is being called on the defense. Past players have come out and stated how easy it was to go against Pittsburgh because everyone always knew what they were going to do. This is something that is on Tomlin, and he needs to explore ways to keep opposing offenses guessing in order to put his players in the best position to succeed.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Continues To Be An Issue With His Hand In The Defense

Tomlin has had his hand in the defense for the last decade or so ever since Dick LeBeau moved on from Pittsburgh. The head coach has had multiple defensive coordinators since then, yet the same weaknesses on the defense seem to be apparent. That is a sign that it is something that is wrong with Tomlin's scheme, or the simple fact that he has continued to be predictable while relying on the talent he has on the field.

The head coach has to be willing to change in the near future, or else Pittsburgh can kiss any aspirations of postseason success goodbye. The city is desperate for a postseason victory, but that is not going to come with the defense playing the way that it is.

What do you think about Essex's thoughts on the issues with the defense? Let us know in the comments below!

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