Darius Slay Fires Back At Steelers Fans Calling Him The Problem: "I've Been Playing Decent"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made several big choices in the 2025 offseason. Among those moves was a focus on improving their secondary. To achieve that, the team made an early decision to invest $10 million in 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay, bringing him to Pittsburgh with the expectation that he would provide veteran leadership and elite coverage skills. The Steelers were eager to pair Slay with young cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and they later made a bold move to acquire Jalen Ramsey, creating a secondary that was expected to be one of the team’s real strengths.

Despite the high expectations, that trio has not performed as anticipated. Many Steelers fans have grown frustrated with the results and have pointed the finger at Slay, questioning his ability to anchor the secondary and deliver the level of play Pittsburgh hoped for. The criticism has been particularly vocal on social media and in the national media, reflecting the disappointment surrounding a unit that was supposed to be a major strength of the team.

On Thursday, Slay took time to speak with the Pittsburgh media. During his comments, he addressed the recent criticism from Steeler Nation and defended his play, emphasizing that he has been giving his best effort and contributing to the team. While the scrutiny has been intense, Slay made it clear that he remains focused on helping the Steelers succeed and is committed to proving that the secondary can live up to expectations.

"I always could play better," Slay said to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. "I ain't been playing the best, but I've been playing decent. But I gotta, on my end, for sure play better. I know I got a lot left. I'm making some plays, just gotta be way more consistent overall."

Slay’s comments about playing “decent” and knowing he’s making some plays are unlikely to calm Steelers fans who remain unhappy with him. Many had hoped he would be the team’s ace in the secondary, but anytime you invest a significant sum in a 34-year-old cornerback, it’s not shocking if he has lost a step. In this case, it seems Father Time may have caught up with Slay, and he may not be the same player he once was. However, Slay clearly does not agree with that sentiment and remains confident in his abilities.

The Steelers’ defense as a whole has been disappointing. Many pundits believed that a unit featuring TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Patrick Queen and several other star playmakers, along with the talent in the secondary, would be a major strength of the 2025 Steelers. So far, however, the offense has looked above average, while the defense has been the side holding the team back. It starts with veterans like Slay needing to elevate their play.

The Steelers Have A Big Chance To Quiet The Recent Noise

The Steelers dropped back-to-back games to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers. It’s not ideal for Pittsburgh, but they are still first in the AFC North and have control of their own destiny. 

A win over the 7-1, red-hot Indianapolis Colts on Sunday would be a huge momentum boost for the Steelers as they look to end the skid. The Colts’ offense is lethal, and the Steelers’ defense has been dreadful. However, if Pittsburgh can shut them down, it would give the team a major confidence boost.

What would you grade the impact of Darius Slay through the first half of 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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