Protecting the end zone is one of the NFL’s most unforgiving jobs. Coaches are paid big money to develop complex schemes, mask weaknesses, and keep points off the board. It’s thankless work at times, but for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s part of a proud legacy built on defense.
That’s what makes the start of the 2025 season so disappointing — and it’s why defensive coordinator Teryl Austin isn’t pulling any punches.
Let’s be honest: the Steelers defense has underperformed. Through two games, they’ve allowed consecutive 100-yard rushers, over 200 passing yards per game, and a staggering 31.5 points per contest. There have even been multiple touchdowns scored on the same exact play design — something that’s sent shockwaves through the fan base and film room alike.
“That (expletive) was (expletive) bad,” Austin said bluntly when addressing the media this week.
It’s not just frustration — it’s a wake-up call. The fourth-year defensive coordinator knows this isn’t the standard Pittsburgh football is known for. But despite the harsh numbers and the growing outside criticism, Austin is far from defeated. In fact, his message was crystal clear: it’s time to get back to work and reclaim their defensive identity.
“We have to be better than that,” Austin said. “I think our guys *are* better than that.”
Part of the plan to fix things starts with personnel — specifically, inserting players who are making an impact.
Teryl Austin's gameplan will help the Pittsburgh Steelers right their wrongs in Week 3
Cole Holcomb, for one, has caught Austin’s eye. After limited snaps earlier in the season, the veteran linebacker is poised to see more time moving forward.
“Cole went in last week and did a good job,” Austin said. “He gives you a different physical presence. I like where he’s going; I think he’s trending in the right direction.”
With Patrick Queen nursing an oblique injury and the linebacker unit struggling to make plays at the point of attack, Holcomb’s return to form could be crucial.
Austin also confirmed plans to begin easing rookie Derrick Harmon into the rotation. The former first-round pick has been working back from an MCL injury, and though he’s not 100% yet, the coaching staff is ready to slowly integrate him.
READ MORE: Mike Tomlin stays upbeat even as Steelers face brutal injuries to key players
“We’ll be pretty judicious with his snaps and try to work him back,” Austin noted. “He’s probably gonna lack some football conditioning, some football shape.”
Still, even a limited version of Harmon — a physical, hard-hitting force on the line — could provide a much-needed spark for a defense that’s been manhandled in the trenches.
These aren’t magic fixes, but they’re steps in the right direction. With a battered unit and a must-win Week 3 matchup against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, the Steelers don’t have time for more growing pains. They need execution, effort, and trust in the plan.
Teryl Austin has drawn a line in the sand. The Steelers' defense may be bruised, but the message is unshakable: no more excuses.
Now, it’s time to see if the group can rise to the challenge.