Steelers' Juan Thornhill Explains How Critical This Massive Loss Is Hurting The Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was really thought to be one of the most elite units heading into the 2025 season. Many pundits believed that with stars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, and several other highly paid, proven talents, this group would dominate opponents. Instead, the first two games have raised major concerns, as the defense has surrendered 789 yards of total offense. 

For a team built on physicality and defensive pride, that level of production allowed is unacceptable and has quickly become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Steelers. The Steelers fell to 1-1 on the season for many different reasons, but none greater than the struggles of one of the most talented groups in the league, as they failed to stop Kenneth Walker III and the Seattle Seahawks' rushing attack.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo highlighted an important point when he shared a quote from safety Juan Thornhill about the struggles. Thornhill pointed to the absence of key starters such as cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety DeShon Elliott, who both missed Week 2’s matchup against the Seahawks.

"It’s big if I’m being honest," Thornhill said when Fittipaldo asked about missing out on Porter and Elliott's contributions on Sunday. "We’ve been getting a lot of reps next to them all of camp and then they’re taken away from you. You have guys moving in different positions and can’t get comfortable."

Losing two starters in the secondary disrupted communication, assignments, and overall chemistry, which Sam Darnold took advantage of. 

In today’s NFL, even a single weak link in coverage can cause a defense to unravel, and Thornhill made it clear that the injuries were a big factor in Pittsburgh’s poor showing. The Steelers' defense has been really bad at stopping the run. However, Thornhill believes the injuries have not helped the franchise.

"For example, a guy like Jalen, he’ll play safety one week and then the next week he’s playing outside corner," Thornhill said. "Guys like that, you need those repetitions at outside corner a lot or at safety a lot to understand what’s going on and to feel comfortable in that position."

Thornhill’s comments also shed light on the high expectations within the locker room. This is a unit that knows its potential, but the early lapses prove that talent alone is not enough. Availability matters, and the Steelers will need Porter and Elliott back on the field soon if they hope to get their defense back on track. 

Until then, Thornhill and the rest of the secondary must step up, tighten communication, and prove they can hold the line even when short-handed. Otherwise, what was expected to be a strength could turn into a lingering weakness that derails Pittsburgh’s season.

Steelers' Defense Seeking Redemption Again In Week 3

The Steelers will travel to New England to take on the Patriots in Week 3. It will not be easy to go into Foxborough and face the new-look Patriots. The franchise made a major change when they hired Mike Vrabel to begin its next chapter. While the Patriots are not considered one of the NFL’s elite teams, they are still a formidable opponent.

The Steelers opened as very slight favorites, which is telling considering they are the road team. Slowing down rookie quarterback Drake Maye, along with the Patriots’ running back duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, will be no easy task. Maye’s arm talent combined with the rushing attack gives New England a balanced offense that can test any defense.

Pittsburgh’s defense is desperate for a lights-out performance after a shaky start to the season. With questions mounting, they will be looking to make a statement in Week 3 and silence the Patriots’ fan base. A strong defensive showing could be the spark the Steelers need to get back on track.

Would a healthy DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter Jr. have won the Steelers the Week 2 game against the Seahawks? 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.

#SteelerNation