There’s only one thing better than opening weekend in the NFL — and that’s opening weekend at Acrisure Stadium. This Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers return home for the first time in the 2025 season after a thrilling, but concerning, 34-32 win over the New York Jets. The energy in the stadium will be electric. The fans? Loud, proud, and hungry for more.
But if Pittsburgh’s defense doesn’t tighten up — particularly against the run — the celebration might be short-lived.
Week 1 may have gone down as a win in the record books, but if we’re being honest, it didn’t feel like a typical “Steel Curtain” performance. The Jets ran wild, racking up 182 rushing yards, mostly thanks to Justin Fields’ dual-threat ability and some tough running from Breece Hall. The defense looked vulnerable, and that’s not a word Steelers fans like to associate with their team.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin isn’t one to panic — or overreact. But during Tuesday’s press conference, he made it crystal clear: changes are needed.
When asked what he wanted to see from his run defense in Week 2, Tomlin didn’t go on a long-winded speech or throw players under the bus. Instead, he offered one perfectly chosen word:
"I want us to be stouter."
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t emotional. But it was everything it needed to be. Classic Tomlin — direct, precise, and challenging.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must bring their best run defense against the Seattle Seahawks
Not better, not dominant — just stouter.
A subtle reminder that Pittsburgh's defense doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. They just need to get back to doing what they’ve always been known for: setting the tone physically, winning at the line of scrimmage, and making opposing running backs regret suiting up.
That’s especially important this week, with the Seattle Seahawks coming to town.
Seattle brings a hard-nosed identity of their own, headlined by the backfield duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Behind a physical and improving offensive line, both runners are capable of turning small holes into big plays — and if the Steelers’ front doesn’t bring their lunch pail, it could be a long afternoon.
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This isn’t hyperbole. It’s reality.
If Pittsburgh wants to build momentum and stack wins early in the season, the run defense must improve — and fast. The offense did its job in Week 1, but expecting shootouts every week isn’t a sustainable model. Especially not with a veteran like Aaron Rodgers under center. Keeping him upright and out of comeback mode starts with keeping the opposing offense off the field.
Tomlin’s message was simple. Not harsh. Not panicked. But serious.
Be stouter.
It’s a challenge to his linemen, his linebackers, and his entire defensive unit. Play Pittsburgh football. Own the trenches. Reclaim the identity.
Because while a win during the home opener is always sweet, a win with a dominant, physical defense?
Now that would be even sweeter.