The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped their Week 2 contest to the Seattle Seahawks, losing 31-17. The game was very disappointing as many Steelers fans assumed the Week 1 showing by the high-paid defense was a fluke. In Week 2, however, the Steelers’ defense once again struggled, and while it wasn’t the only reason for the loss, their inability to stop the run proved costly. Seattle’s backs ran through Pittsburgh’s front seven with ease, and the unit looked overmatched for the second straight week.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
One particular moment that went viral on social media came when the Seahawks’ sideline was shown fired up during the playing of Renegade. What is normally an Acrisure Stadium momentum-shifter for the home team instead energized Seattle, who had been prepped for it all week by their Head Coach Mike Macdonald. The clip left Steelers fans stunned, as an opponent not only neutralized the iconic stadium tradition but turned it into motivation against Pittsburgh.
Mike Macdonald has a lot of experience at Acrisure Stadium and most of his players do not. So the Seahawks coach had Styx’s “Renegade” blasting through the speakers at practice last week to prepare them for how Steelers fans erupt when the song comes on.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) September 16, 2025
Here was that moment. pic.twitter.com/MRa13b365U
That viral clip also caught the attention of former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Never one to shy away from speaking his mind, Bell shared his thoughts on social media, suggesting that the fire and discipline once synonymous with Steelers football has faded. His comments immediately drew reaction from fans, with many agreeing that the current team lacks the intimidating identity that defined the franchise during his playing days. Bell’s words struck a chord because the fan base was able to relate to his sentiment with ease.
"That starts from the LEADERS," Bell said to his social media following. "That starts with the PLAYMAKERS. Ain’t no way in he** this should EVER happen IN PITTSBURGH."
Bell made it very clear where he was placing the blame. He pointed directly at the leaders and playmakers of the Steelers, holding them accountable for the team’s lack of energy and execution.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward with Aaron Rodgers during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
With captains like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Aaron Rodgers, and Miles Killebrew wearing the proverbial 'C' on their chest, it is fair to assume Bell’s comments were aimed squarely at them.
Le'Veon Bell Seriously Believes Steelers Have Lost Their Mojo At Home
The other side of the discussion is how exactly the Steelers’ captains could have stopped the Seahawks’ sideline from singing and getting hyped during Renegade. The short answer is they cannot. Once the opposing team is fired up, there is little a captain can do to quiet them down in that moment. The better answer is to play at a higher level and never allow Seattle to feel like they were in the game heading into the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers former running back Le'Veon Bell running with the football during a home game.
Bell’s message was not just about one viral clip, it was about setting the tone. He was essentially calling on the Steelers’ leaders to raise the standard so opponents cannot gain confidence in their house.
For a team that has long prided itself on toughness and intimidation, his words serve as a reminder that leadership is about preventing those moments before they ever happen. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was hopeful his defense would be playing better by this time in the season. However, it's early and there's time to get problems solved.
Do you agree with Bell about the Steelers' leaders being to blame for the Seahawks' confidence during the start of the fourth quarter in Week 2? Why or why not? 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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