The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rocky start to the 2026 regular season, but the defense is not to blame. The unit has been one of, if not the best, in the entire league through the first two weeks. Superstar pass rusher TJ Watt looks like his old self and is a top Defensive Player of the Year candidate. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been moving players around the formation, creating confusion for opposing offenses. It seems like even more complexity will be added to the defense soon.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates a big play with TJ Watt.
Watt has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL for many seasons. There was a lot of doubt surrounding his declining play and age, but all of these claims have been put to rest through two weeks. He has put up monster numbers, with 3.5 sacks, 8 tackles, and 1 interception returned for a touchdown.
The defense as a whole looks very improved and the issues that hampered the team in the past seem to have been addressed. The unit's tackling, coverage, and consistent pressure have all greatly improved, leading to the defense looking as scary as ever.
Graham may have been the key to unlocking this defense's true potential. We have seen many of the Steelers' key defenders being moved around the formation, especially Watt. This is something that fans have been wanting for years and Graham is delivering it to them.
During a recent media scrum, Watt was asked about how the defense has been lining up and whether that has affected the way teams have prepared for the defense.
"I feel really good about where we are at defensively," Watt said. "The packages are going to continue to evolve and we are going to be moving guys in different spots. It is exciting to be a part of."
Not only has the defense been great by all of the important metrics, but it has surely passed the eye test. In each of the Steelers' first two games, the opposing quarterbacks have looked shaken and the coverage on pass-catchers has been very tight for the most part. There have been very few missed assignments, something that was a major issue for the defense in the last couple of seasons. If Pittsburgh's defense can maintain this level of play for the entirety of the season, they will keep the team competitive every single week.
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Steelers linebacker TJ Watt rushes the passer during the Week 1 matchup against the Falcons on September 13, 2026.
Watt himself has continued to cement himself as one of the best defensive players of all-time. He has been the heart and soul of the Steelers defense since he entered the league in 2017. His decorated career includes one NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, five All-Pro selections, three NFL sack leader awards, and eight Pro Bowl selections. At age 31, Watt looks as good as ever and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Watt and the defense will surely need to stay consistent at this level of play, as the Steelers' offense has struggled mightily through two weeks. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been under constant pressure, the offensive line has been very weak, and the pass catchers have been extremely inconsistent. The defense cannot carry the team all season and stay healthy, as they are on the field longer than the offense the majority of the time. If Pittsburgh's offense can even perform at an average level, this stunning defense will be able to propel the team to success.
Steelers Defense Could Get A Major Boost Soon
Steelers' star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is still at a roadblock in his contract negotiations with the front office. This has led to him missing the team's first two games of the season and it seems likely he will miss Pittsburgh's Week 3 matchup with the rival Cincinnati Bengals. Porter Jr. is arguably the team's best defensive back and his presence on the field would surely make this defense even scarier. If he can somehow return to the lineup in the coming weeks, we could see a historic defensive season in the Steel City.
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