The Pittsburgh Steelers take pride in their defense and are known for being one of the best defensive teams in football year in and year out.
That hasn’t been the case this season, however, as the Steelers are having their worst defensive season in decades.
Their defense let them down again on Sunday, allowing 31 points and 328 yards of total offense in a three-point road loss to the Chicago Bears. It’s the fifth time in 11 games this season that Pittsburgh has surrendered at least 30 points.
The Steelers are yielding an average of 23.9 points per game this year. Not only is that the worst mark of Mike Tomlin’s tenure, but it’s also the most points allowed by a Pittsburgh defense since 1988.
The Steelers have been solid against the run this year, but their main issues have been in the secondary. They’ve allowed the second-most passing yards per game in the NFL this season and 700 more passing yards than their offense has recorded.
Story continues below advertisement
Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled all season, allowing 63 points over the first two weeks combined and never finding its groove. It’s allowed fewer than 20 points just three times this season, and two of those games were against Dillon Gabriel and Joe Flacco.
The Steelers still haven’t fixed the problems that plagued them during the second half last year. After their Week 9 bye, they allowed 25.6 points per game over their final 10 games (including the playoffs).
Story continues below advertisement
Pittsburgh’s been one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL for over a year now, so something needs to change. Tomlin, Teryl Austin and the rest of the coaching staff are running out of time to turn things around.
If they don’t, the Steelers can kiss the division, and probably the postseason, goodbye.
More Steelers: Steelers Named As Trade Destination For Veteran QB Next Season
Story continues below advertisement
Featured image via Geoff Burke/Imagn Images