Steelers' Defense Absolutely Must Fix This Glaring Issue Before Bye Week Ends

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had some glaring communication issues to end the 2024 season. The problems were so severe that the team went on a major losing streak and had to make sweeping changes after the season in an effort to fix what went wrong. Coming into the year, the defense was expected to be one of the league’s best units, but through four games, it hasn’t fully lived up to those expectations.

Through the early part of the 2025 season, the same issues have lingered. Misreads, blown assignments, and general confusion on the field have shown that the defense is still not operating as a cohesive unit. What should have been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ identity has instead been a source of frustration for both coaches and fans alike.

Heading into the bye week, the Steelers are focused on addressing these issues. Analysts and former players alike have pointed to the ongoing communication problems as the biggest hurdle for the defense, highlighting that getting everyone on the same page will be critical if Pittsburgh hopes to turn things around in the second half of the season. Chris Hoke went on 93.7 The Fan on Friday to share his honest thoughts about this Steelers defense.

"There should be no communication issues," Hoke said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "Everybody should be on the same page. It's happening far too often, where the Steelers' defense, not everybody is on the same page."

For Steelers fans, hearing this critique will likely bring back major PTSD from how the 2024 season ended. Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott were among the most vocal players, pointing out that certain teammates were out of position and not doing their jobs. 

Now, Hoke has revealed that the Steelers still have major communication issues. He believes these problems must be fixed during the bye week if the defense hopes to improve.

"They're not running the same defense," Hoke said. "If there's one thing that the Steelers need to work on this bye week, it's communication. It's everybody getting on the same page. Everybody running the same defense. It's happening too much."

The defensive communication issues may partly stem from a few new faces still trying to find their rhythm within the unit, but after four games, it’s clear that the Steelers need this defense to operate more cohesively. Mistimed assignments, misreads, and lapses in coverage have continued to pop up, highlighting that the unit isn’t yet functioning as a synchronized group. 

Steelers fans will be hoping that the team can use the bye week to address these problems, tighten communication, and get everyone on the same page before the second half of the season begins.

Steelers Have Too Much Talent On Defense To Be This Leaky

Through four games, the defensive unit has given up an average of 404.8 yards per game, a number that doesn’t reflect the star power on the roster. 

With superstars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and several other key players, this defense should be a dominant force. Instead, the Steelers have struggled to contain opponents, and Hoke believes fixing these problems starts with addressing the communication issues that have plagued the unit. All eyes turn to Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin to see if he can fix the problem he hasn't been able to solve for many seasons now.

Can the Steelers' defense finally get on the same page, or will this be a recurring problem all 2025 season long? 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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