The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has underwhelmed. More than that. It’s the most disappointing unit of any NFL team this season and one of the most disappointing units the Steelers have had in recent memory. The lows could continue. Facing a top-ranked Indianapolis Colts’ offense firing on every cylinder, the Steelers’ defense could easily allow another 30-burger this weekend.

If so, it will mark the first time Pittsburgh has allowed 30+ points in three straight games in 40 years.

Below is a table of all the three-game streaks giving up 30 or more points in franchise history. The list is short and old.

Year
Streak

1985
3 Games

1968
4 Games

1966
3 Games

1965
3 Games

1964
3 Games

1962
3 Games

The last time was 1985. Every other instance occurred in the pre-Chuck Noll 1960s. That’s where the longest streak, a four-game skid, occurred in 1968. Noll was brought in the following year.

That ’85 season was a doozy and similar to the Steelers of today. Long gone were the days of the Steel Curtain; now, it’s just highlights instead of the standard. Sitting at 6-5 and fighting for a playoff spot, the team collapsed down the stretch. Pittsburgh allowed 30 points to the Washington Redskins, 31 points to the Denver Broncos and 54 points to the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers game remains the highest-scoring contest in the Steelers’ history.

They were games in which the offense held up its end. Pittsburgh scored 23, 23 and 44 points across those three contests. But the defense couldn’t buy a stop (it’s also worth noting the offense turned the ball over a lot, including two pick-sixes).

If anything, that makes what is happening now worse. The Steelers’ offense has been more turnover-prone lately, which hasn’t helped the defense. But the defensive woes are theirs to own. Poor tackling, bad scheme, no speed, and miscommunication are all plaguing this unit.

It’s never easy in the NFL, but stopping this streak will only get tougher against the Colts. A team that has scored 30-plus points in six of eight games this season, most in the NFL. Indianapolis has scored 38 or more points in three of the last four games. QB Daniel Jones is a new man under center, and RB Jonathan Taylor enters the week as the NFL’s triple crown rushing leader. There’s plenty of talent to throw to. Ending the streak is necessary to win and to show that this defense can still fight back.