Mina Kimes says if this part of Steelers’ defense doesn’t improve, it’s ‘dead on arrival’

Mina Kimes critiques Steelers run game and defense ahead of 2025 season

While the arrival of Aaron Rodgers has been a thrill for a lot of Steelers fans, he alone is unlikely to take them to the Super Bowl. The offense needs to be better collectively, and that includes the offensive line and run game.

Last year, Arthur Smith’s run game ranked 12th in rushing yards per game (121.9), and 19th in rushing touchdowns per game (0.8), despite having the 6th most rushes per game (30.2), and the 5th highest rushing percentage (48.31%).

This year, that run game will switch from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson, who is expected to see plenty of touches early in his NFL career.

Guard Mason McCormick will officially take over at right guard, having started 14 games in his rookie season.

Mina Kimes said:

“I think they have to be better at running the ball. I think this is a run-first offense, and Aaron Rodgers is the point guard. You have to have a top ten defense to carry that.”

A lot of that sits on the offensive line’s shoulders, often failing to create much of a push downfield, creating a lot of hard-earned runs with closing running lanes for the backs.

Kaleb Johnson’s fresh legs will certainly help, but only to an extent if the line doesn’t perform. The rookie had 1,535 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns for Iowa in 2024, while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

The Steelers averaged 4.0 yards per carry last season, ranking 25th in the NFL.

Kimes also went on to say that the defense has a lot of work to do, specifically when it comes to defending motion:

“If this defense doesn’t get better at defending motion, it’s dead on arrival against the best offenses. This was a huge problem against the Baltimore Ravens; it was a huge problem all season long. They were a bottom-five unit in success rate when offenses used motion.”

“That is going to require, not just new talent but also better communication, coaching, because to my eye that was probably the single biggest issue with this defense last season.”

Ryan Clark suggested that one of the key issues for the Steelers defense is a lack of motion from the offense, meaning they’re not getting to practice against it enough before they come up against it on Sundays.

The Steelers are hoping that the new veteran additions to the defense will help with communication and leadership, which may prove to be a pivotal factor in cleaning up their performance as a unit.

They’ve also got reinforcements via their first-round rookie, Derrick Harmon, who is already picking up a lot of information from veterans Cam Heyward and TJ Watt.

Steelers points allowed in recent playoff games is a major flaw in their Super Bowl ambitions

It’s clear to see why the Steelers have spent this offseason acquiring defensive veterans. They signed free agent corner Darius Slay, safety Juan Thornhill, and linebacker Malik Harrison, before trading for former Miami Dolphins’ corner Jalen Ramsey.

They lost 28-14 against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2024 postseason, but prior to that, they had given up over 30 points in each of their last four playoff appearances, including three 40+ point displays.

Teryl Austin is going into his fourth season as the Steelers defensive coordinator, and considering the capital they’ve spent to improve, the franchise will want to see results in 2025.