Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Scary Answer On Being Outcoached

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense hasn’t looked like many had expected it to be so far in the 2025 NFL season. They have faced the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, and New England Patriots, and through those three games, they have struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses. The bigger concern for Steeler Nation is that none of these teams are considered high-powered units, yet the defense has still bent far more than expected. Against the Patriots in Week 3, Pittsburgh had a particularly difficult time getting off the field when it mattered most.

Third downs have been a sore spot, with the Patriots repeatedly converting in long-yardage situations. Despite forcing five turnovers, the defense still couldn’t find the consistency required to shut New England down. Giving up those conversions negated the momentum and without the lucky turnovers. The Steelers would have been in big trouble. It raised questions about whether this defense, which is loaded with veteran talent and one of the highest-paid units in the league, is being properly prepared and schemed to finish drives.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the issue with the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday, and his explanation will not soothe fans who expect dominance on that side of the ball. When asked about the struggles on third and long, Tomlin admitted that at times, the Steelers were simply outcoached in key moments. For a coach known for his confidence and composure, hearing such an answer was a jarring moment for Steelers fans. It suggests the problems may run deeper than execution and could point to schematic flaws that opposing coaches are taking advantage of.

"You know, they had a really good plan," Tomlin said while speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday. "As I mentioned earlier, there were a myriad of ways we were somewhat limited with some of our schematics due to obvious circumstances. I expect us to continue to get better in some of those spaces."

The first part of this quote needs to be addressed carefully. Tomlin is never going to come out and directly explain how the Steelers got beaten. That would not be wise and would give opponents a blueprint to exploit the team. Fans often hope for a reassuring answer, something that calms concerns while still acknowledging the struggles, but that balance is tricky to strike.

Hearing that Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel was able to find ways to get an otherwise average Patriots offense to convert on critical third-and-long situations was concerning. It highlighted that even teams without elite talent can expose weaknesses when the defense is not executing at its best.

The play that sticks most in fans’ minds came in Week 2 against the Seahawks, Kenneth Walker III’s 3rd-and-goal touchdown run from the 19-yard line. The Steelers' defense looked like Swiss cheese as Walker powered through seemingly untouched to reach the end zone. Moments like that, coupled with repeated third-and-long failures, have fueled questions about the unit’s ability to hold up in high-pressure situations.

Steelers Can't Bank On 5 Turnovers Going Forward

Yes, the five turnovers forced by the defense on Sunday were exceptional. However, many Steelers fans feel that much of it was more luck than skill. That can be debated, but the truth is that turnovers always carry an element of luck. 

Even when skill plays a role, the Steelers defense cannot rely on five turnovers to win a game. They gave up too many big plays to a young quarterback and an otherwise average offense. That is the primary concern for the Steelers right now.