Steelers Defense in Danger of Reaching Mark Not Seen Since 1985
The Steelers have the highest-paid defense in the NFL. In August, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confidently said that the Steelers' defense was capable of doing "historic things." However, the Steelers' defense has been disappointing this season. Their defense is one of the worst in the NFL this year. The Steelers play a top-ranked Indianapolis Colts offense on Sunday.
The Colts could easily score 30 or more points against the Steelers. If that happens, it would be the first time the Steelers have allowed 30 or more points in three straight games since 1985. All other instances of this happening occurred before the Chuck Noll era—specifically, in 1962, 1964, 1965, and 1966. The Steelers also allowed 30 or more points in four consecutive games in 1968. Noll became their head coach in 1969.
In the 1985 season, the Steelers allowed 30 points to the Washington Redskins, 31 points to the Denver Broncos, and 54 points to the San Diego Chargers. The Washington Redskins have since rebranded as the Washington Commanders. The Chargers are now in Los Angeles. The Steelers' defense this season is comparable to their 1985 defense.
There are various factors contributing to the disappointing performance of the Steelers' defense in 2025, including schematic problems, poor tackling, slow speed, and miscommunication. Opposing teams have gained 370+ total yards against the Steelers in every game except for one this season. The Steelers have allowed 450+ yards for two weeks in a row. In recent games, things have really been falling apart for the Steelers after halftime. They've allowed more points in the fourth quarter than in any other two quarters combined.
They're not expected to do any better against the Colts on Sunday. The Colts have scored 30+ points in six of their eight games this season. Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Canty said, "The Indianapolis Colts have scored on 62 percent of their drives. It's the highest rate of any team through the first eight games of the season in the last 45 years. I just don't see a world that exists where the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense, based on what we've seen the last two weeks when they've given up 68 points, can stop the Indianapolis Colts." The kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. EST on Sunday.
