Former Steelers CB Joe Haden Gives Crucial Advice On How Pittsburgh's Defense Can Be Successful In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an underwhelming 2025 season to many standards as they went yet another year without a playoff win. They were able to win the AFC North, but fans have been waiting since 2017 to see their team come up victorious when it matters most. In the 2025 Wild Card Round, Pittsburgh looked rudderless -- a sneak peek at a team that barely eked out wins on the regular, including in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, just to get into the playoffs. Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed the game-winning field goal that allowed Pittsburgh to get into the postseason.

One of the reasons why Pittsburgh's season was rocky at times in 2025 was the inconsistency of its defense. The group ranked 26th in yards allowed per game (356.9), but ranked 4th in forced turnovers. That allowed them to stay in a lot of games throughout the 2025 campaign. At times, the defense was lost, and miscommunication was a huge reason for that. The Steelers had the highest-paid defense last season, but the second-oldest group. 

Pittsburgh will need its defense to shine in 2025 if they want to be successful. They have cemented their storied history in their ability to form elite and oftentimes legendary defensive units. The Black and Gold have the playmakers to do it, and they need to put it all together in 2026.

On an episode of Deebo & Joe, former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden called out the defense as a unit for their struggles and offered some advice to the group. He talked about what the Steelers need to do to be successful from a defensive standpoint. 

"Defense, don't give up the points. We're making the most money in the league. Let's show it. Make plays, no busts. We're too professional. We're grown men out here. Everybody be accountable for their job, and we can be an elite defense. Legit," Haden explained.

The Pittsburgh defense saw a dip in production compared to some of its previous units. The pass rush and forced turnovers looked like usual, but the amount of yardage allowed, especially in the run game, gave the Steelers fits. At times, the Black and Gold were exposed by opposing offenses, like in the Week 18 matchup mentioned earlier. Both the secondary and linebackers made huge mistakes and allowed for long-yardage, walk-in touchdowns for Baltimore. This was just one example of a time when even some of the league's best players are not on the same page. Due to the underwhelming defense and its scheme, the defensive coordinator at the time, Teryl Austin, was let go following the end of the 2025 season upon the new coaching staff's arrival.

It was clear in some of the personnel groups and scheming that Austin needed to go; however, there were some other reasons for the Steelers' defensive failures, like injuries. However, there's another glaring problem that the Steelers need to hope remedies itself: their stars' production. 

The Steelers Need Their Stars To Play At Their Best

In 2026, Pittsburgh needs its franchise superstar, TJ Watt, to play like his typical self. Throughout the 2026 offseason, there has been much speculation about Watt being a trade candidate. There are many problems with this, like his contract, his recent production, and difficulty finding a trade partner. Watt has been a cornerstone to the Steelers' defense for almost a decade, and last year might be either a fluke, or a sign of regression. Either way, his value is insurmountable, and the franchise needs him to play at his best to be successful as a team.

Another player who needs a similar resurgence is inside linebacker Patrick Queen. He had a down year by his standards and was the Steelers' green dot linebacker, meaning he was the main communicator of the defense. He'll need to get back to playing like his Pro Bowl seasons for the defense to get better in 2026. 

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