Steelers' Defense Gets Put On Blast: "Beat By A Bunch Of Kids"

The Pittsburgh Steelers put forth an embarrassing defensive performance on Thursday night as the team lost to the Cleveland Browns by a score of 27-24. There seemed to be a lack of effort from some players on the defense throughout the game, and the Steelers also just seemed to be out-schemed by the Browns at certain parts of the contest. It was an underwhelming performance from one of the highest-paid defensive units in the NFL, and it was especially heartbreaking to see the defense allow Cleveland to march the ball down the field with ease and then kick a game-winning field goal.

There were several defenders for the Steelers that spoke to the media after the loss, and every one of them seemed to be disappointed with the unit. The group should have a chip on their shoulders going into the Week 5 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, but that won't make up for what was a horrible loss within the division. 

Well-respected analyst Brian Baldinger was posting film after the game while giving some of his thoughts, and he was not happy with what he was seeing from the defense in Pittsburgh.

"Goes 28 yards untouched on a sweep," Baldinger wrote. "Great run and horrendous defense by the Steelers. This is October; tackling and defeating blocks should be important. This is how you get beat by a bunch of kids."

Baldinger wrote this about the Browns' first touchdown of the contest. This was a 28-yard run by running back Jaleel McLaughlin, and the score tied the game up at seven. The play saw several missed tackles and also some lapses in effort. He basically had a free lane to the end zone as the defense put on one of its worst tackling performances so far in the 2026 season.

This play was horrible to watch in real time, as several defenders missed on a tackle while several defenders just stayed engaged with whoever was blocking them. It set the tone for the rest of the second quarter as the Browns were able to score three touchdowns during the period of play. Baldinger had more to say about the defense.

"You tell me how bad this defense looks right here," Baldinger said. "I don't know what Jack Sawyer's doing, but he gets himself hooked. Patrick Queen is getting himself blocked by KC Concepcion. Rayshawn Jenkins misses a tackle. Cole Holcomb is coming, he misses a tackle. Nobody's getting off a block. Jalen Ramsey's not getting off a block. Jaquan Brisker misses a tackle, Asante Samuel Jr. doesn't get off a block. It's a great play by Cleveland; it's some horrible defense by Pittsburgh."

Baldinger mentioned Sawyer on the play, but he showed decent effort. He just made a mistake and dove down on the dive rather than keeping contain against the sweep. Everyone else had poor effort and poor technique on the play, and McLaughlin was able to walk into the end zone.

Steelers Need To Take A Look At Defensive Personnel

There were several times when the defense came off of the field on Thursday night where players were yelling at one another, which is a sign that there are some repeat offenders making mistakes out on the field. This can be excusable for some of the younger players on the roster, but guys like Patrick Queen and Asante Samuel Jr. can't be messing up out there. If the poor defensive performances continue, the coaching staff should be forced to take a look at who is being put out there on the playing field.

What do you think about Baldinger's comments on the defense from the loss to the Browns? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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