After communication errors in 2024, Steelers defenders see broader picture

After a tumultuous end to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season, a key word seemed to echo among the defensive players in the locker room: communication. Or a lack of it.

Entering this season, many members of the Steelers defense seem encouraged that problem is behind them.

With the addition of veterans Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey and Juan Thornhill in the secondary, communication has been at the forefront in training camp.

“I think everything is flawless right now whether it’s been explaining the details, other coverage stuff like that,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “It starts from the top down, and everyone cares about it right now and we gotta keep this rolling.”

The defense was heavily criticized toward the end of last season when a 10-3 record melted into a 10-8 finish, including a playoff loss against Baltimore. In that playoff game, the defense was bullied to the tune of nearly 300 rushing yards and allowed two passing touchdowns.

“I think everyone just understands the sense of urgency of what happened last year,” Queen said. “It starts right now with everybody being gap sound. It’s alignment, technique, assignment and taking care of what you’re supposed to take care of and not straying away from that.”

Queen and fellow starting linebacker Payton Wilson enter Year 2 playing in Teryl Austin’s defensive scheme. Wilson, a rookie last season, missed some time because of injury. Queen enters his second year after being acquired from Baltimore last offseason and leading the Steelers in tackles with 129.

“Everybody has got a great understanding, and there is much better explanation going on this year,” Queen said. “Everybody is bought in and loves the game, loves each other and I just can’t wait.”

Safety DeShon Elliott, who was second on the team in tackles (108) in 2024, also enters his second season with the Steelers. His motor at practice impressed his teammates.

“In the offseason he watched the playoff game like 30 times, and every time we sat down he’s talking about it, and I’m like, ‘Can we move on to the next play?’ ” Queen said. “He wants to be great in all aspects of his game.”

The makeup of the defense remains similar despite safety Minkah Fitzpatrick being traded to Miami. The Steelers also invested in the defense through the draft, selecting defensive linemen Derrick Harmon (first round) and Yahya Black (fifth round) to help bolster the front seven.

Third-year linebacker Nick Herbig gave high praise when asked about Wilson and his improvement. Wilson handled the defensive calls when he was in the game Saturday night in the Steelers’ 31-25 preseason victory at Jacksonville.

“You can tell he’s not a rookie anymore, and you know he’s coming into his own role on the field,” Herbig said. “He’s taking care of things off the field to help him play better on the field, and he’s more comfortable out there.”

Another key member of the defense this season will be third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. He is the longest-tenured member of the Steelers revamped secondary, with lots of new faces and young players expected to contribute.

“I mean, we got a lot of veterans on the field. That plays into it. We’ve got guys like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey,” Porter Jr. said. “We added a few more pieces to the puzzle that helped all the young guys really communicate and try to get ahead of the playbook as fast as we can.”

The defense has sensed a different energy during the offseason and training camp. The players’ communication could determine if the results improve.