The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 4-3 in the 2025 season after a disappointing home loss to the Green Bay Packers. Everything seemed to be going in Pittsburgh’s favor at halftime, as the Steelers led 16-7 and even had the luxury of receiving the ball to start the second half. However, that advantage quickly disappeared. The Steelers' defense struggled mightily, surrendering 454 yards of total offense to the Packers. Jordan Love and Tucker Kraft tore through the secondary, exposing a unit still plagued by communication breakdowns and blown assignments.
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Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft stiff arms a Steelers defender as he runs with the football to pick up more yards in Pittsburgh.
It became painfully clear that the defensive issues go beyond just talent or effort. Misreads, missed coverages, and late rotations were rampant, showing that the team’s communication problems are still significant. Fans and analysts alike were left scratching their heads as the Steelers, who had been in control at halftime, watched their lead evaporate. The loss highlighted not just lapses in execution, but also the need for a systematic approach to fixing the underlying problems.
Speaking on his podcast, former Steelers quarterback and franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger shared his perspective on the struggles. When asked directly about how to improve communication within the defense, his first suggestion was simple but unorthodox: turn off the music during practice.
"Yeah, it would be easier if I was in the building and knowing what was going on," Roethlisberger said while speaking on his podcast on Tuesday night. "Being the grumpy old man that I am, we have talked about this on this show. I would stop the music at practice."
Roethlisberger emphasized that, in his opinion, the music during practice should be turned off to help the team focus. He explained that even small distractions can prevent players from fully hearing signals and staying in sync, which is critical for a defense that is already struggling with communication issues.
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Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger looks on while making a funny face during a practice.
His co-host, Spencer Te’o, then asked him point-blank whether he actually thought that turning off the music would make a real difference. Roethlisberger chuckled at the question and answered honestly, admitting that it probably would not solve the problem entirely. However, he added that it was a small, but meaningful step in the right direction, something that could help set the foundation for bigger improvements over time.
"No, but it just feels like something," Roethlisberger said. "You know, I don't like the music being played. I just think if there is music blasting around, I get it's gonna be loud at the stadium, but yeah, if guys are enjoying the music and singing it, I think it's a little different... I have no idea how to improve it because I don't know what the issue is. I don't know if it's not getting communicated from the coaches to the players or from players to players... There's no excuse for having 10 guys on the field."
The Steelers experienced several miscommunications during Sunday night’s game against the Packers, but one of the most concerning moments came when they had only 10 players on the field during a crucial two-point conversion attempt. This kind of mental lapse on such an important play highlighted just how much the team is struggling with communication and situational awareness on the defensive side of the ball.
Steelers Have Time To Get Right But It's Not Going To Be Easy
The good news for the Steelers is that they still have plenty of opportunities left in the 2025 season to get back on track. They sit at 4-3 and remain in first place in the AFC North.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
While it may feel like the sky is falling, the Steelers still have multiple chances to turn the season around. However, it will not be easy, and the challenge starts in Week 9 against the first-place Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers would love to get momentum back with a big upset over the Colts on Sunday.
Do you think Roethlisberger's idea to turn off the speakers during practice would help the team? 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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