In Week 1, Pittsburgh Steelers fans had major concerns about the way the defense looked against Justin Fields and the New York Jets. It required a 34-point performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and company to narrowly inch past the Jets, who surprisingly scored 32 points. Now our fears are officially confirmed.
On the opening drive of their Week 2 home opener, the Steelers allowed the Seahawks to march down the field for a six-play 85-yard drive, capped off by an effortless touchdown to rookie wide receiver Tory Horton.
And just like that, Steelers fans are worried all over again.
We were hoping last week's disastrous defensive performance was a one-and-done event. Unfortunately, after what we hoped was the ultimate wake-up call, the Steelers looked much of the same on the first drive against the Seahawks.
By the end of the first quarter, quarterback Sam Darnold already managed 105 passing yards, which was more than half of what he had in his entire Week 1 performance against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have legitimate concerns on defense after sluggish Week 2 start
If not for an impressive interception early in the game from veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey, there would have been no bright spots to note on defense. In addition to the touchdown the Seahawks scored on the opening drive, Seattle also missed a field goal that would have given them 10 points in the first quarter alone.
It's time to tighten the reigns.
The league's most expensive needs to be better than this, plain and simple. There aren't any excuses. The Seattle Seahawks just traveled across the country for an early-afternoon game, but they managed to get off to a hot start.
Why couldn't the Steelers?
If Pittsburgh's defense doesn't improve drastically (and quickly), they won't stand a shot to compete this season. It's time they get their crap together and find their defensive identity.