The Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 2025 defense didn\u2019t live up to its self-billed high expectations. Now, a new coaching staff will look to repair and improve the unit. There\u2019s a long list of areas where the defense can improve, but there are four stats in particular that are worth cleaning up. If corrected, the defense has a good chance to take a big jump in 2026.<\/p>\n
These stats are collective, not individual. Here are the four to fix.<\/p>\n
1. Third Down Defense: 41.5 percent (25th league-wide)<\/p>\n
It was no secret how poor Pittsburgh\u2019s third-down defense was last year. The unit wasn\u2019t just white-knuckling it on third-and-long, which was the common complaint. In fact, from a league ranking perspective, the team was worse in short-and-medium situations. The breakdown.<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s Third Down Defense, 2025:<\/p>\n
3rd & 1-6: 53.7 percent (19th)
3rd and 7+: 25.5 percent (18th)<\/p>\n
No matter how you slice it, the defense wasn\u2019t good enough at getting off the field. Combined, the Steelers were a lowly 25th on third down. A steep drop from finishing second in the league a year ago, and Pittsburgh\u2019s worst finish since placing 28th in 2009.<\/p>\n
2. First Drive Scoring: 8 scoring drives allowed (tied-19th league-wide)<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh wasn\u2019t a fast-starting team on either side of the ball. Offensive woes got the attention, but the Steelers have been ugly on defense the past two years. In 2024 and 2025, the defense has allowed eight opening drive scores. That\u2019s the team\u2019s worst output since 2017.<\/p>\n
Last year, half of those eight scoring drives ended in field goals. The other half were touchdowns.<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh masked the issue by going 6-2 in those games. In a vacuum, they\u2019ll want to cut that total number by about half. Under Mike McCarthy, the Steelers have a chance to set the tone early.<\/p>\n
3. Safety interceptions: Three<\/p>\n
I had the same stat on my 2025 list.<\/a> Pittsburgh didn\u2019t get any better. In 2024, the safety group intercepted three passes. In 2025, the unit snagged another three. That\u2019s counting Jalen Ramsey\u2019s pick among the cornerbacks, his primary position for his Week Two takeaway.<\/p>\n Traded over midseason, Kyle Dugger picked off a pair. He\u2019s now in Cincinnati.<\/a> DeShon Elliott had the other, snagging a pass in the Dublin win over the Minnesota Vikings.<\/p>\n With Ramsey having a full offseason to hone his craft, Elliott\u2019s return to health, and the signing of Jaquan Brisker, the group needs more splash plays. Sometimes an interception is determined by the bounce of the ball, but Pittsburgh\u2019s unit must be more proactive and take charge. And take the ball away.<\/p>\n 4. Missed Tackles: 126 (30th league-wide)<\/p>\n