Steelers Have Surprising Player Causing Issues Within The Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers were considered one of the favorites to have the best defense in the NFL heading into the 2025 season. Through the first two games, however, they have statistically been graded as one of the worst units in the league. That’s a major concern considering how highly paid this defense is. The Steelers' defense has been struggling since the end of the 2024 season. Those issues have presented themselves already in the 2025 season.

On top of that, they are loaded with playmakers such as Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Jalen Ramsey, and several others. One player expected to take an even bigger leap in his second season was inside linebacker Payton Wilson. During his rookie season, Wilson impressed Steelers fans with his playmaking ability. He’s incredibly fast and seemingly everywhere on the field, but not everyone believes he has been good so far in 2025.

Steelers fans got an interesting evaluation from The 33rd Team’s Steve Palazzolo when he joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday. Palazzolo pointed out that while Wilson has all the athletic tools to thrive at the NFL level, his instincts and consistency are still developing. He explained that Wilson often flashes the speed and range that made him such a promising draft pick, but he can also get caught out of position against the run or when diagnosing play-action. 

"I don't think Payton Wilson's been good," Palazzolo said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "There's been multiple plays he's been out of position, that play he's been pancaked, and I like him as a player, and that's why the disappointment."

That inconsistency has contributed to the Steelers’ defensive struggles early in the season, especially in key moments when the unit has failed to get off the field. For a defense with championship expectations, these growing pains are magnified. 

Whether Palazzolo’s analysis is accurate or not is important. So far, what he has seen from Wilson hasn’t inspired much confidence. Wilson is a young player still learning the NFL, and he is clearly incredibly talented. It seems the main concern is simply getting him consistently in the right spots.

At the same time, Palazzolo made it clear that Wilson’s upside remains undeniable. He believes that with more experience and coaching, Wilson can emerge as a true difference-maker alongside veterans like Watt and Heyward. The Steelers are banking on him to help Queen stabilize the middle of their defense, something that has been a weakness in recent years. 

If Wilson can elevate his play, the defense has the talent to quickly rebound and reestablish itself as one of the most feared groups in the NFL. For now, however, the gap between potential and performance is at the center of Pittsburgh’s early-season concerns.

Steelers' Defense Looking To Quickly Bounce Back In Week 3

The Steelers' defense has given up almost 800 yards of total offense through the first two games. That is simply not acceptable considering the talent on this roster and the resources invested in this unit. 

The defense has struggled to be effective, getting gashed on the run, exposed in the same ways for consecutive weeks, and showing communication issues. This group has several new faces and has dealt with some injuries. It is a long season, but the Steelers' defense is confident they can bounce back quickly in Week 3 on the road against the New England Patriots. Wilson will also be looking to have a much better showing in Week 3.

How would you grade Payton Wilson's play during his first two games with the Steelers for the 2025 season? 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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