Steelers' Core Problem Defensively Revealed Ahead Of Critical Week 9 Matchup: "Play-Calling [Isn't] The Issue"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost back-to-back games and are now sitting at an overall record of 4-3 on the season. In these back-to-back losses, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has led a defense that has given up at least 33 points and over 450 total yards. As a matter of fact, Pittsburgh has given up at least 30 points in four of its seven games this season. This is not your grandfather's average Steelers defense. It has been historically bad, which is why some are calling for Austin's job. However, that idea is folly, so says insider Mark Kaboly.

Here is what Kaboly had to say on Wednesday via social media regarding the notion that Austin could get fired soon.

"I don't see it happening. In my humble opinion, I don't think the 'play-calling' is the issue. I think it is everything else leading up to that."

As it stands right now, the Steelers are currently ranked 30th in the league in total defense (allowing 386.0 yards per game). This turnover-predicated defense couldn't stop 40-year-old Joe Flacco from looking like Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco two Thursday nights ago. Then, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love dominated Pittsburgh's defense as he took the field opposite his old mentor, Aaron Rodgers. Keep in mind that this expensive defense also gave up 32 points to kick off the season against the 1-7 New York Jets. If Austin's defense wasn't top-10 in sacks (22) and top-five in turnovers forced (10), things would be a whole lot uglier.

Still, the Steelers only allowed seven points to the Packers in the first half on Sunday night. Still, Austin's defense was a top-half-of-the-league unit last season. While it has been a nightmare for this side of the football this season in the Steel City, it cannot get any worse. Furthermore, Austin has some of that aforementioned success to go off of, which is why it would be a mistake to let the 60-year-old coach go right this very moment.

Steelers' Teryl Austin Will Have His Chance To Write The Ship

The good news for Austin is that he is going to have an immediate chance to bounce back and try to win back the affection of the fans in Pittsburgh. The bad news is that those opportunities are going to come against some good opponents. Over the next three weeks, Austin, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and co. will face the one-loss Indianapolis Colts, who just happen to be the top offense in the league (385.3 yards per game), the Justin Herbert-led Los Angeles Chargers, and the Cincinnati Bengals, who just beat the Steelers two weeks ago. These matchups won't be easy at all. 

Somehow, some way, the Steelers are averaging 25.0 points per game on offense and are allowing 25.0 points per game on defense. In other words, you do not know what this team is going to do on any given Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. Rodgers (16 touchdowns) is playing at a Pro Bowl level so far. Through seven games, the four-time MVP quarterback has helped the Steelers' offense record at least 21 points in six of the team's seven games. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's unit is no juggernaut, but it would be more than good enough if this defense were playing at even a middle-of-the-pack rate. Again, the change from Austin and the defense has to start now or soon if this team wants to go anywhere down the road. A strong performance against the Colts would be a big momentum boost for the team and the fan base. 

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