Steelers' Ryan Clark Annihilates Mike Tomlin After Devastating Loss

After the loss, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark went on a rant during First Take Friday morning, openly criticizing Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Clark made it clear that the defensive performance was unacceptable and suggested that leadership and play-calling issues had directly contributed to the defeat. His pointed remarks highlighted growing concerns about whether the Steelers’ defense can consistently stop high-powered offenses across the NFL.

"It's all the Pittsburgh Steelers," Clark said while speaking to Cam Newton and Stephen A. Smith on First Take Friday. "We come into this game and you know what you are going to get. Go back to the Green Bay game, the second half, every single time Ja'Marr Chase has a one-on-one, they throw a fade ball. Teryl Austin... watch the film. You know it's coming and we don't stop that?"

Clark sounded off and couldn’t hold back while discussing how the Steelers’ defense came out. While directing much of his criticism at Austin, he was also clearly speaking to Tomlin, who is known for having a heavy hand in defensive strategy. The biggest concern, Clark said, was that Pittsburgh let every player on the Bengals’ offense dominate, not just Chase or Higgins. 

Chase was targeted 23 times, catching 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, and Clark believes Austin should have anticipated that and had better plans in place to slow him down. At the very least, the defense should not have left Chase wide open as often as they did.

"I don't want Joe Flacco at his age to pass the football 47 times, 342 yards, three touchdowns, and when Aaron Rodgers pulls a rabbit out of his hat, because it ain't on him," Clark said. "When Aaron Rodgers pulls a rabbit out of his hat, you have to go get a stop."

Clark’s message was clear. The defensive breakdowns were not just about execution; they were about preparation, accountability, and leadership. The Steelers cannot afford to let elite offenses dictate the game if they want to remain competitive in the AFC North.

Steelers' Defense Couldn't Redeem Themselves When It Mattered Most

At the very end, Rodgers pulled a rabbit out of his hat and connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown. The only issue was that the Steelers scored too quickly, giving the Bengals plenty of time to respond. 

On a critical play, Chase was left wide open, and then Higgins got past the secondary, caught a pass, and slid down to set up kicker Evan McPherson for the game-winning field goal. The Steelers' defense had a chance to end the game on a positive note but couldn't.

How much blame do you place on Mike Tomlin versus Teryl Austin for this defensive showing against the Bengals?