The Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest setback came this past Sunday, falling 31-28 to the Chicago Bears in a game that exposed glaring weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Despite flashes of individual talent, the team struggled with discipline and execution, allowing points at critical moments. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether the team’s issues stem more from preparation, strategy, or sheer in-game mistakes.
The Steelers’ defense, once considered a cornerstone of the franchise, has shown cracks repeatedly this season. Allowing 30-plus points in five games — a first since 2013 — has fueled frustration among former players and commentators. Mistakes in alignment, missed assignments, and poor situational adjustments have all contributed to a narrative of inconsistency that has haunted Pittsburgh’s efforts to regain a competitive edge in the AFC.
Former outside linebacker James Harrison, no stranger to high-pressure situations, weighed in on the team’s struggles after the latest defeat. Known for his candid commentary and sharp analysis, Harrison did not mince words when discussing the performance of the Steelers’ coaching staff and defensive schemes. His perspective resonates with fans who have long been questioning strategic decisions and personnel usage on both sides of the ball.
“Defense. Soft. I’m tired of seeing the offensive lineman pushing our defensive line 2-3 yards,” Harrison said. “We’re undisciplined, poorly coached, or both. We have a horrible defensive scheme. It’s trash, it’s garbage. We can’t adjust. We just sit there and stare at the quarterback. We can’t put out a fire! We’re situationally trash. We can’t do the routine things routinely!”
Harrison also criticized offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, particularly regarding tight end Darnell Washington being matched up one-on-one against Bears edge rusher Montez Sweat. Sweat beat Washington twice, including a sack that led to a fumble and turnover. Harrison highlighted how poor schematics and mismatched personnel assignments contributed directly to critical errors and furthered Pittsburgh’s struggles in crucial moments of the game.
Mistakes were not limited to personnel mismatches. The Steelers repeatedly faltered on situational plays, including a failed fourth-and-1 attempt with Connor Heyward, an illegal formation penalty negating a Mason Rudolph run, and defensive lapses such as playing Cover 3 against four vertical routes. These errors exemplify systemic issues in preparation and decision-making that continue to plague the team.
The combination of strategic missteps and execution failures paints a troubling picture for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. With repeated lapses, fans are questioning the leadership and accountability of head coach Mike Tomlin, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The team’s ability to rectify these errors will be crucial as the season progresses and the margin for error narrows.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ recent struggles underscore a disconnect between talent and performance. While individual players continue to display skill and potential, the lack of effective coaching and disciplined execution has left the team vulnerable. Harrison’s blunt assessment serves as a wake-up call: without meaningful adjustments, Pittsburgh risks continuing a pattern of frustration and missed opportunities on the field.
