What is wrong with the Steelers' defense?

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

What is wrong with the Steelers' $100M defense?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 11/21/22

The Steelers have the highest-paid defense in the NFL, but it is far from the best. What is causing Pittsburgh's defensive struggles?

Expectations were high entering this season for the defense, which is No. 28 in total defense through 11 weeks after giving up 37 points and 408 yards in their Week 11 loss to the Bengals.

“It was lack of execution,” Steelers LB T.J. Watt told reporters after the game. “We need to finish plays.”

When the teams met in Week 1, Pittsburgh's defense was "on the field for 28 more plays and 12 more minutes" while letting up 17 fewer points on the road, per 93.7 The Fan's Josh Rowntree.

There's been plenty of talk about replacing Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but should the team look to replace defensive coordinator Teryl Austin as well?

A potential in-house replacement is the current Steelers' senior defensive assistant Brian Flores. Flores has plenty of experience, serving as the Miami Dolphins head coach from 2019 to 2021.

Teryl Austin hasn’t really impressed as a defense coordinator. Mike Tomlin plays a big role in the defensive schematics, too. Brian Flores should honestly be the DC. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) November 21, 2022

There doesn't seem to be any imminent changes, but if performances like Sunday keep occurring, the team may have to at least consider a switch.

“You have to learn from each experience, whether it’s good or whether it’s bad, and you have to move forward,” Watt added. “We’re not where we want to be, clearly right now, but sitting here and sulking about it isn’t going to do anything.”