The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to have answered many questions about their struggles on defense over the previous few weeks, but a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears only proved that they still have some underlining issues. They are right back where they were about a month ago, except they no longer have the AFC North lead to lean on. There are all kinds of concerns about how they can possibly end the season on a high note and not just continue to reinforce narratives about mediocrity.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin prior to a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2024 NFL season.
During his postgame press conference, star edge rusher TJ Watt was talking about how the defense is in the "same story" as earlier in the year. He also spoke about how they need to be better, as quoted by insider Mark Kaboly.
"We have a lot of things that need to be fixed and fixed quickly," Watt said. "We need to be playing our best football at this stretch of the season, and we need to get better and get better quickly."
In his article on X, Kaboly responded to this quote with how that comment has been a common response at this time of year over the past many years.
"I didn’t look, but didn’t Watt say that last year and the year before that and the year before that?" Kaboly asked.
Yes, the Steelers need to be playing great football, and they're not. Every time Watt, Mike Tomlin, or someone else talks about how they need to be better, for many fans, it just comes off as repetitive verbiage. Yes, they are not playing well, but what are they actually doing to try and be different from previous years?
Matt Ludtke / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher and All-Pro defender TJ Watt (90) talks with Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) during a regular season game against the Green Bay Packers on the road in Wisconsin.
Many fans are already talking about how "The Standard" is inevitable. The Steelers may get another season without a losing record, but they have not shown anything to even give the idea that they can win a postseason game because of their inconsistencies thus far in 2025. Everyone is talking about being better, but everyone has heard that story multiple times, including Kaboly.
The Steelers are going to be 9-8.
— Parker Abate (@SNParker_) November 24, 2025
Who knows if firing Tomlin will help or not, but this seems to be an organizational problem that starts from the top, and it starts with Owner Art Rooney II. He has spoken about being frustrated with the lack of success in January, but again, actions speak louder than words. He needs to prove it before anyone else is able to.
Nick Cammett / Diamond Images / Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II stands on the field as the franchise gets set to play a professional football game on the road.
Until Rooney is willing to try something new, there is very little that Tomlin or anyone else in the organization can do. It has already been proven that roster, depth chart, and personnel changes are not enough. Neither are new coordinators. Ownership is the only area that can do something at this point, and their decision will trickle down to the players on the field, whether it's a good or bad decision. Others believe that finding a true franchise quarterback will heal all in the Steel City.
Steelers Seem To Be More Focused On Retaining Respect
There are many NFL owners that are fighting the NFLPA for their yearly report cards that point out their flaws. Rooney has been very vocal in his disdain for that, so he is likely heavily involved in this issue. Instead of trying to help the team out and change, he may be focused on shutting down the one major thing that shows his deficiencies. If that is truly the case, it may be a while before the Steelers are a true threat again.
What do you think about Watt pointing out these major organizational issues on accident? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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