Mike Tomlin made the call to give veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb more snaps in hopes of giving the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense some help in the run game, and it’s already paying off.
Holcomb got the start over second-year backer Payton Wilson. After the Steelers initially forced a three-and-out, the Patriots got a free first down due to a penalty. On the next play, Holcomb got his first tackle of the game and forced a fumble on Rhomandre Stevenson in the process.
Darius Slay managed to recover the fumble, setting up Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense with excellent field position at their own 40. Rodgers and company drove the field and put points on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run from Kenneth Gainwell.
.@ColeHolcomb_ ON THAT 💪
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 21, 2025
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Cole Holcomb’s comeback already changing the tone for Pittsburgh Steelers defense
It’s an incredible start for Holcomb, who is returning after missing the past season and a half with a devastating knee injury. When he last started for Pittsburgh, the linebacker corps was completely different, and so he had a mountain to climb to ensure he’d see some playing time this season.
Wilson initially got the nod, largely due to his potential and coverage skills. However, Wilson has struggled early this season playing at a consistently high level, particularly against the run.
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Steelers have fielded one of the league’s worst run defenses, allowing 299 yards on the ground. Hopefully, Holcomb’s insertion into the base defense will continue to pay off.
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For Holcomb, the forced fumble on the opening drive was the first he had forced since Week 2 of the 2023 season, his first year in Pittsburgh.
Holcomb and Wilson will continue to trade snaps beside Patrick Queen, but Holcomb will be a player for fans to keep an eye on as the season progresses, especially if his role continues to grow. If he can continue to stack turnover and stuff the run, he could be in line as a potential candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.