Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense utilizes a 3-4 Zone Blitz base scheme under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Pittsburgh Steelers Defense?

It's been a mixed bag for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, playing average football to land at the #17 spot in points allowed. They are performing right in line with expectations, allowing roughly the league average (0.2 difference).

In the AFC North, they trail the Cleveland Browns (#14) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Baltimore Ravens (#18) and Cincinnati Bengals (#30) to round out the division.

Creating havoc has been a major issue, as they rarely disrupt the opponent's backfield. Ball security hasn't been a concern for their opponents, as this defense generates very few takeaways.

3
Total Sacks
1
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (1 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Nick Herbig, tallying 30 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 1 interception on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Payton Wilson, who has chipped in with 126 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception.

What is the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Teryl Austin

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense runs a 3-4 Zone Blitz under coordinator Teryl Austin.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Zone Blitz
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

The Steelers maintain the gold standard for the 3-4 Zone Blitz.

Key Principles

Zone BlitzEdge DominancePhysicality

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Pittsburgh Steelers Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.6/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.2/g
Aggression
POOR
0.2/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.6
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.6 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.2
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.2
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.2 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Pittsburgh Steelers defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Sliding
30.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing +7.2 more points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
DT
Daniel Ekuale
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 29
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
DeShon Elliott
Safety
Injured ReserveOct 31
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Donte Kent
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 6
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Miles Killebrew
Safety
Injured ReserveOct 21
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Isaiahh Loudermilk
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveJan 11
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Dean Lowry
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 3
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Jacob Slade
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 3
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Cory Trice Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 20
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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