The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten off to a 1-1 start to the 2025 season, but the outlook on the team is not very optimistic. The running game has struggled while the offensive line has allowed far too much pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The level the defense is playing at is nowhere near what was expected to begin the season either. This has the fan base extremely frustrated as the defense is the highest-paid group in the league for the fourth consecutive season, and at this point, the fans are starting to blame the coaching staff. Certain personnel changes have to be considered with the group struggling, and they are expected to come.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media on Tuesday, and some of his comments certainly seemed like the coaching staff would be considering some personnel changes. It is fair to assume that the majority, if not all of those changes would be coming on the defensive side of the ball, especially while certain players are out due to injury. Team insider Mike DeFabo went on 93.7 The Fan to discuss any personnel changes, and he had some thoughts on what fans might want to expect.
"Earlier this week, Mike Tomlin said that they would take a hard look at how they divide up the labor," DeFabo said. "That's his way of basically telling you there's gonna be some personnel changes. I think you're gonna see more of Jabrill Peppers instead of Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark. You're still gonna see the other two safeties, but I think you're gonna see much more of Jabrill Peppers in some different packages."
Pittsburgh acquired Jabrill Peppers between Weeks 1 & 2, and he played a special teams role against the Seattle Seahawks while getting up to speed with the defense. Heading into Week 3, he will have another week of practice and meetings under his wing in order to feel more comfortable playing on defense in a game environment, which likely means Tomlin is going to want to see him on the field on Sunday when Pittsburgh takes on the New England Patriots.
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Former New England Patriots strong safety Jabrill Peppers smiles during practice.
Peppers most recently played for the Patriots before signing with the Steelers. He was released by the team after training camp had ended, and the move came as a bit of a surprise. He was not on a roster for Week 1, but he chose to sign with Pittsburgh. DeShon Elliott's Week 1 injury was likely something that prompted the organization to sign Peppers, but Peppers is also still a really good football player.
The safety has always been known for his versatility. He can play either safety spot, the nickel, and he also has plenty of experience lining up in the box as an inside linebacker. Pittsburgh will find a way to work him into the fold, but that will likely mean a more limited role for both Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark.
Steelers' Jabrill Peppers Should Make Immediate Impact On Defense
Pittsburgh has struggled with getting ball carriers to the ground in the run game, and this is an area that Peppers will be able to help, even from the safety spot. He is a sure-tackler, which is something the Steelers need more of. Throughout his career, he averages a missed tackle percentage of 9.4 percent, which is good. However, in 2024, that number was just 4.8 percent, and the lowest in a season for his career was under two percent.
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Former Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers looks on before a game.
This will be helpful for Pittsburgh, and he is also a very experienced veteran who should not have trouble communicating in the secondary, which has been been as issue for the defense so far in 2025.
What do you think about Pittsburgh inserting Peppers into the defense a bit more in Week 3? Let us know in the comments below!
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