Former NFL Coach Blasts ‘Atrocious’ Steelers Defense Before Week 9

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has faced considerable scrutiny ahead of a challenging Week 9 contest against the Indianapolis Colts.

Pittsburgh allowed 470 yards in a Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals before yielding 21 second-half points in a 35-25 home loss to the Green Bay Packers. Only the Bengals and Dallas Cowboys have relinquished more yards per game than the Steelers before Sunday’s slate.

Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan joined a group of vocal critics while ripping Pittsburgh’s defense on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”

“This defense is old,” Ryan said. “It’s expensive, the most expensive defense in the league. And they might be the worst defense in the league playing right now. They are the worst playing today, because Dallas plays on Monday. So, I’m just telling you: Their defense is absolutely atrocious.”

Ryan witnessed many low-scoring AFC North rivalry bouts as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator, but these aren’t the same Steelers he frequently opposed.

The 62-year-old expected Packers quarterback Jordan Love to dissect Pittsburgh’s “awful” defense after watching Joe Flacco amass 342 yards and three touchdowns. Love completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

Some Steelers fans appear to share Ryan’s pessimism. ESPN’s pre-game show captured fans holding a mock funeral for Pittsburgh’s defense outside Acrisure Stadium on Sunday morning.

The Steelers can alleviate those concerns with a better showing on Sunday, but it’s a brutal matchup for the reeling unit. The Colts lead the NFL with 385.3 yards and 33.8 points per game before the Week 9 game, which starts at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

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