Steelers Have A Glaring Problem On Defense That Could Leave Coaches Considering Changes

The Pittsburgh Steelers began the 2026 season with some impressive defensive performances. Fans thought one of the highest-paid defenses in the league might finally be playing up to its expectations, but that has changed over the last two weeks. In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the defense struggled to defend the passing game, but that is understandable due to the weapons the Bengals have on that side of the ball. However, the poor defensive performance against the Cleveland Browns the following week is not acceptable, especially considering who is at quarterback and the youth Cleveland has on that side of the ball.

The Steelers' defense helped get the offense back in it with some turnovers, but the unit did not put together a complete game and things were too easy for the Browns offense at times (especially in the first half). One of those occasions occurred when Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson found rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston down the left sideline for a 60-yard gain. That drive started at Cleveland's own 26-yard line, and the Browns were able to score in just four plays.

To an average fan, the big play looked like it was the fault of rookie cornerback Daylen Everette, but it is now clear that veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins was supposed to be helping behind him. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday morning and shared what else went on with that play while discussing what needs to be fixed on the defense.

"The tackling was atrocious, we can start there," Fittipaldo said. "The communication was bad. Apparently, Rayshawn Jenkins did not get the call on the Denzel Boston 60-yard play that put the Browns in scoring position."

Jenkins has been a consistent figure on the defense for Pittsburgh through the first four games of the 2026 season, and he had a really good training camp and preseason. That has not translated to the meaningful games. His lapse in coverage on Thursday Night Football allowed the Browns to put an easy touchdown on the board and take the lead later in that same drive.

Everette was immediately blamed by much of the fan base and plenty of people on social media as it looked like he just got burned on a go ball. However, a second look at the play showed the blame should fall on Jenkins. Fittipaldo's comments about communication are interesting though. Jenkins never even got the call, so he didn't know that was his responsibility on the play. That could fall on him not being attentive enough between snaps, or it could be the fault of inside linebacker Patrick Queen who wears the green dot. He is in charge of communicating everything he hears from the defensive coordinator to the defense before the snap.

Queen is already being grilled for not having the best performance against the Browns, and there is no way to tell if Jenkins not getting the call was his fault or not. However, it is something for the veteran to note moving forward as defensive communication is basically life or death. If the fault is Queen's and it is something that happens again, the green dot may have to go to someone else on the defense.

Steelers' Daylen Everette Has Arguably Impressed During His Rookie Year

Even before Jamel Dean went down and Joey Porter Jr. was traded, the coaching staff was discussing how Everette was pushing for playing time. His athleticism and frame have already allowed him to force some incompletions, and the franchise better hope he is good after the way they handled the Porter situation. So far, the signs look promising.

What do you think about Ray Fittipaldo's comments on the problems for the Steelers' defense? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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