Steelers Are Dealing With A Clear Display Of Coaching Malpractice Through 5 Weeks

The Pittsburgh Steelers went through a ton of major changes during the 2026 offseason, with the biggest changes coming on the coaching staff. One spot that is a lot different is the defensive side of the ball. Former head coach Mike Tomlin was a defensive-minded individual, and former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin called the plays with his help. The dynamic in Pittsburgh is now different with Head Coach Mike McCarthy being offensive-minded and the full weight of the defense lying on Patrick Graham's shoulders alone. He was an exciting hire initially, but there have been some growing pains so far.

One of the larger questions surrounding the defense coming into the 2026 season was how to get TJ Watt back to being his productive self after having a down year in 2025. Through the first few weeks of the season, it seemed like the defense figured things out, but the pass rush has struggled in recent games and the numbers have gone down for the rushers. The Steelers have managed to sack the quarterback just three times in the last two weeks for a total of just nine yards lost. Those numbers need to be better, especially with a beat up and struggling secondary.

Beat writer Gerry Dulac was asked about the pass rush in a recent mailbag for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Dulac was specifically asked why the edge rushers have not been able to get more consistent pressure, and he threw some blame at Graham.

"That's right," Dulac wrote. "And they're not blitzing to make up for the lack of pressure. They've been trying to get to the QB -- don't have to sack him, just pressure him -- with just four. And it's not working. Patrick Graham said weeks ago, 'We will blitz, I promise.' It's time to do so."

Over the last several weeks, the Steelers have not been able to get enough pressure on the opposing quarterback. Deshaun Watson was able to work the ball down the field with ease, and Daniel Jones was able to find wide open targets throughout the contest, yet the Steelers still did not blitz. Dulac clearly wants to see more blitzing in an effort to help the guys on the defensive line out.

Graham has already been questioned for not blitzing enough, and he assured the media and the fans that the blitzing would come. It hasn't yet, and that probably has to do with the beat up secondary. Dropping every inside linebacker and safety into coverage is supposed to help, but the defense might be better off sending an additional rusher every now and again. The pass rush up front has not been able to take advantage of certain matchups, which means it needs a boost from linebackers coming up the middle or from safeties coming off of the edge.

Both Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker have made a name for themselves in this league due to their ability to blitz as defensive backs. They should be used in that way more, especially Brisker. Patrick Queen is also fast for an inside linebacker, and he should see some more blitzing opportunities.

Steelers' Defense Looks The Same As It Has In Recent Years

The defense should be extremely concerning for fans. The group looks the same as it has in recent years with the unit relying on soft zone coverage, which has been a major complaint for some time now. Underneath passing looks easy for opposing teams, and shots down the sideline have been there while the pass rush has struggled to make an impact. Graham needs to find a way to turn this unit around fast, because it feels like it has actually been holding back the offense, which is a rare occurrence in Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers are likely taking on an undrafted rookie quarterback in Week 6 as the team travels to play Jalon Daniels and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the defense better find a way to make an impact.

What do you think about this criticism of Graham? Would you like to see the Steelers blitz more often? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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