Steelers' Darius Slay Detailed Exactly How The Seahawks Kept Cool For All 4 Quarters In Week 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled on the defensive side of the football throughout the first two weeks of the 2025 campaign. Pittsburgh has allowed a total of 63 combined points so far on the season as the New York Jets and the Seattle Seahawks were able to take full advantage of the Steelers' poor run defense. Jets running back Breece Hall was credited with 107 total rushing yards in Week 1, while Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker lll was able to compile 105 yards and a touchdown in the Week 2 victory over Pittsburgh.

The Seahawks' offense appeared to remain calm and composed throughout the entire game despite pressure from an elite Steelers pass rush. Pittsburgh was able to sack Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold a total of two times and were credited with six tackles for a loss, as Darnold and the rest of Seattle's offense was able to thrive despite facing constant pressure. Steelers cornerback Darius Slay took a moment to share his thoughts on how Seattle's offense performed throughout the game, as the veteran claimed he was surprised by how calm and composed the Seahawks were for the majority of the afternoon.

Slay went further into detail about how he feels the Steelers' defense performed as well, as he claims Pittsburgh did an excellent job in the pass rush and getting through to Darnold consistently.

"The most surprising part about that game is to me was the fact that I felt like the Seattle Seahawks did not lose their composure," Slay stated. "With us having two turnovers, with us getting to the quarterback good times, I think we sacked him like four or five times. They never abandoned the run game."

Slay continued to talk about the Seahawks' ability to keep Darnold comfortable throughout all four quarters of Sunday's matchup.

"They still kept Sam Darnold comfortable, as in making sure you still got play-actions, making sure he's still not just sitting there just being a free target for us to go sack him 'cause of our pass rush."

Slay signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in March worth up to $10 million. The veteran spent the first 13 years of his career with the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles as he is expected to make a serious impact in the Steelers' secondary this season. A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay has remained as an elite cornerback in the NFL for the majority of his career and can make a serious impact on Pittsburgh's defensive unit as the season rolls on.

The Steelers' defense was able to create pressure and force multiple turnovers despite giving up 31 points to Seattle's offense (including a botched kickoff return that led to a Seattle touchdown). Nick Herbig and Jalen Ramsey were both credited with an interception against Darnold, as Ramsey was able to snag the first pick of his Steelers career. Pittsburgh's defense will look to play at a higher level in Week 3 as the Steelers will be on the road in New England to face a young and talented Patriots team.

Steelers' Run Defense Will Be A Critical Key To Victory In New England

The Steelers' run defense will need to be at the top of their game this Sunday in New England. The Patriots' running back room features two talented backs in Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, as New England could try and utilize their ground game to the best of their ability. TJ Watt and Cam Heyward will lead the way on Pittsburgh's defensive line as shutting down the Patriots' ability to run the football will be absolutely critical.

Slay's comments prove that the veteran remains confident in the Steelers' defense, despite the early season struggles. Pittsburgh's defensive line will be a major key to success in Week 3 against the Patriots, as New England could try to utilize their running game as much as possible. Slay and the rest of the Steelers' defense will look to bounce back strong in Week 3 after coughing up 100+ rushing yards in each of the first two games of the season.

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