The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an up and down start to the 2025 regular season. The team is 1-1 and is heading into Week 3 after a heartbreaking loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and although it was just one loss, it has forced a certain level of panic within the fan base. The defense had extremely high expectations heading into the season, and the group has not performed well in the slightest. That side of the ball has been decently banged up due to injuries, but that is no excuse considering the amount of talent and star-power Pittsburgh has on defense.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in East Rutherford, NJ.
One player that was expected to make a leap for Pittsburgh in 2025 is inside linebacker Payton Wilson. He had a decent rookie year in 2024, and now the team has attempted to turn him into a three-down, starting linebacker. He has not gotten off to the best start in 2025, and he is certainly a reason for Pittsburgh's struggles when defending the run. Former general manager and Pittsburgh executive Doug Whaley recently went on 93.7 The Fan and discussed Wilson's struggles, and he compared the player to rookie running back, Kaleb Johnson.
"Here's where I struggle sometimes with coaching," Whaley said. "Lack of consistency. Kaleb Johnson makes a mistake. And he gets taken off as a kickoff returner. Payton Wilson is getting eviscerated physically, but you're gonna keep him in there? Just give me consistency. That's all I'm saying."
Johnson made a major mistake in the Week 2 loss to Seattle. Near the start of the fourth quarter, he was fielding a kick return with Pittsburgh already down three points, and he allowed the ball to land and sit in the end zone. The Seahawks were able to jump on it for an easy touchdown, which basically put the game away for Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Kaleb Johnson warms up for a practice ahead of the 2025 season opener against the New York Jets.
It was a rookie mistake from Johnson, and he has already been stripped of his return duties on kickoff while Head Coach Mike Tomlin did leave the door open for him to return to the role. Whaley was referencing this because he believes there should be some consistency in coaching. Wilson is just a second-year player, and he hasn't played well to start the year. He has struggled to defeat blocks and it is somewhat clear that his size limits him to just being a coverage linebacker. Whaley wants to see him stripped of his three-down role, and go back to what he did during his rookie season on clear passing downs.
If Wilson were to receive a reduced role, it would likely mean the return of Cole Holcomb to the starting lineup. He is a balanced linebacker that would be great in the lineup next to Patrick Queen, who has also struggled. Pittsburgh has been missing the presence of Elandon Roberts in 2025, but hopefully a player like Holcomb can fulfill that role.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb participates in drills at 2023 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA..
Steelers Could Find Their Best Linebacker In Cole Holcomb
Holcomb's 2023 season was cut short due to a gruesome knee injury, and it also knocked him out of the 2024 season. He fought his way back, and many believed he could be cut or traded prior to the 2025 season. He made the roster, and now he could be thrusted back into his role as a starting linebacker. He was leading Pittsburgh in tackles when he went down in 2023, and if he can produce in the same way he used to, Pittsburgh's defense could improve dramatically. Wilson still has a chance to be good in the NFL, he just needs to find his groove while refining his game.
What do you want to see Pittsburgh do at inside linebacker after a slow start to the year? Let us know in the comments below!
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