The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is doing something unreal right now, and if you are not paying attention, you should be. This unit, which looked like it was heading for an expiration date just a year ago, has flipped the script completely, especially over their last three games. They have allowed *just three touchdowns* since Week 5, tied for the fewest in the entire league over that span with the Minnesota Vikings. Seriously, think about that. They went from a nostalgia act to one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, and the turnaround is absolutely wild.
From “Over” To “Elite”: The Steelers’ Wild Ride
Man, it felt like just yesterday everyone was ready to write off Pittsburgh’s defense. Heading into the 2026 season, people were eyeing their 2025 numbers: 20th in defensive EPA per play and a dismal 28th in total yards allowed. The talk was all about their “never-changing defensive philosophy” holding them back, making it easy for offenses to carve them up. When Mike McCarthy was hired in January, plenty of fans probably rolled their eyes, thinking it was just more of the same. But then Patrick Graham came in, and everything changed. The Steelers adapted, they evolved, and it is showing up big time on the field. Through seven weeks, they are tied for sixth in defensive EPA per play and are allowing the sixth-fewest yards per game. DVOA wise, they are seventh in the NFL, and when it comes to stopping the run, they are second only to the Jacksonville Jaguars. What a complete shift, right?
The Last Three Games: A Defensive Masterclass
The whole season has seen this pendulum swing, but these last three games? They have been nothing short of spectacular. Beyond just those three total touchdowns allowed, their defensive success rate ranks third in the league. Their success rate against the run is the *best in the NFL* over this three game stretch, nearly two full percentage points better than the second place Chicago Bears. And when teams try to pass? Pittsburgh is giving up a measly 5.67 yards per attempt. They have picked off three passes while only giving up two touchdown passes in that same period. By every measure, this is an elite unit. They are flying around, making plays, and absolutely stifling opposing offenses.
Queen’s Reign And A Rising Offense
You know who has been under the microscope for a minute? Patrick Queen. Steelers fans have scrutinizing him, but he just had one of his best games as a Steeler on Sunday. Queen led the team with 10 tackles, including a crucial sack that ended up being the final play for the Saints’ offense. Plus, he was credited with three big run stops. When your key players step up like that, it makes a huge difference. What’s even crazier is that the offense is starting to get it together too. Since Week 5, they are eighth in EPA per play and fourth in rush success rate. When you have a defense playing this lights-out and an offense finding its rhythm, you have got a team that can legitimately hang with anyone in the league. The Steelers are good, folks. They are really good.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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