PITTSBURGH – Five weeks into the young season, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter their Week 6 bye with a 2–3 record and a defense that has been equal parts explosive, resilient, chaotic, and occasionally undisciplined. The numbers, however, reveal a unit filled with playmakers who are still learning how to put it all together for four full quarters. What follows is a detailed statistical review of the defense through the opening stretch of the season, painting a clearer picture of where this group excels and where it must sharpen heading into the heart of the schedule.
The Tackling Leaders: A Fast, Violent, and Versatile Core
The Steelers have built a defense centered around speed and range, and nowhere is that more evident than in the tackling column. WILL backer Payton Wilson leads the entire unit with 39 tackles, confirming what fans and coaches already knew: his sideline to sideline ability is elite. Wilson has stepped in and asserted himself as one of the most active defenders on the roster.
Behind him is MIKE linebacker Patrick Queen with 33 tackles. Queen’s solidified the interior of the defense, and his instincts and burst have allowed him to clean up runs and shut down underneath routes that previously gave Pittsburgh trouble.
The secondary has been just as active. Isaiah Simmons and Jalen Ramsey each sit at 31 tackles, showcasing how often these two are involved in both run support and tackling receivers in space. This is exactly what the Steelers envisioned when they added Simmons this offseason to use him as more of a hybrid do-it-all defender.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson has 20 tackles, matching the totals of Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, both sitting at 20 as well. Watson’s physicality has been a highlight of his game, while Watt and Highsmith continue to contribute heavily both as pass rushers and run defenders and setting the edge.
Rounding out the group are Darius Rush with 19 tackles, Lewis Cine with 18, Joey Porter with 16, Derrick Harmon with 9, and Logan Hall with 7. These numbers reflect a defense that spreads responsibility across every level.
Tackles for Loss: Watt Dominates, Others Support
The Steelers have a lot of backfield disruption thanks to a relentless approach from the front seven. No one embodies that more than T.J. Watt, who leads the entire defense with 12 tackles for loss through 5 games. Watt’s ability to wreck run plays before they even begin is a foundational pillar of this defense.
The next highest total belongs to Patrick Queen, who has produced 6 tackles for loss, excelling both in run fits and blitzing opportunities. Alex Highsmith has added 5 tackles for loss, while Logan Hall has quietly contributed 4, showing strong progress in his expanded hybrid role.
Simmons and Cine each sit at 3 tackles for loss, matching Payton Wilson and Derrick Harmon. Rush has chipped in 2, with Ramsey and Herbig each notching 1. The spread of production showcases the Steelers’ aggressive approach to run defense, involving corners, safeties, and linebackers alike.
Sack Production: Watt in DPOY Form
It is no surprise that T.J. Watt leads the Steelers’ pass rush. Sitting at 6.5 sacks, Watt remains one of the league’s most feared defensive players. Whether he lines up wide, reduces inside, or stunts across the formation, his presence changes offensive game plans.
Highsmith has contributed 2 sacks, while Hall has added 0.5 and Harmon has 1. These numbers highlight solid support behind Watt, but the Steelers will look to get more consistent pressure from the interior as the season progresses. Logan Hall’s quickness and length give him the tools to emerge here, especially considering how disruptive he has been on film even when he does not record the sack.
Takeaways: A Defense Built on Ball Skills
The Steelers have relied heavily on turnovers to keep games within reach, and their interception numbers speak for themselves. Patrick Queen and Jaylen Watson each have 2 interceptions, while Payton Wilson and Darius Rush have 1 each. Safety Glendon Miller also has 1 interception, giving Pittsburgh 7 picks through 5 games.
The corner who has made the most noise has been Watson. His instincts, combined with his size and technique, allow him to jump routes and disrupt timing. Meanwhile, Queen’s interceptions showcase his improved coverage abilities, a major step forward in his evolution as a three down linebacker.
Pass Breakups: Tight Coverage and Active Hands
Cornerback Jaylen Watson again leads the way with 3 deflections, followed by Payton Wilson and Jalen Ramsey with 2 each. Several players have contributed 1 deflection, including Darius Rush, Isaiah Simmons, Lewis Cine, and Nick Herbig.
These numbers highlight a defense that plays tight coverage and competes at the catch point. The focus now shifts toward turning these deflections into turnovers, something the Steelers have done well in spots but must do more consistently.
Forcing Fumbles: Queen Leads the Charge
Pittsburgh’s knack for forcing chaos extends to the ground game as well. Patrick Queen has forced 2 fumbles, while Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt each have 1. Queen’s ability to punch the ball free has been crucial in several key moments, and Ramsey’s strip skills continue to make him a threat every time he meets a ball carrier in space.
Fumble Recoveries: Timely Hustle Plays
Queen has recovered 2 fumbles, showcasing his awareness after forcing turnovers. Watson, Wilson, and Highsmith each have 1 recovery as well. These timely plays have swung momentum in multiple games even when the Steelers ultimately fell short on the scoreboard.
Defensive Touchdowns: The Jaylen Watson Show
The most electric defender of the season so far has been Jaylen Watson, who has 2 defensive touchdowns, one on a 67 yard pick six in Week 1 and another on a 97 yard fumble return in Week 2. Watson’s ability to flip games with scoring plays has been one of the brightest sparks of the season, and his knack for being around the ball is becoming a cornerstone of this defense’s identity.
Final Assessment: Playmaking with Room to Grow
Through 5 games, the Steelers defense has shown immense promise. They have playmakers at every level, elite pass rush talent, ball hawks in the secondary, and young stars emerging quickly. The next step is discipline. Missed assignments, occasional tackling miscues, and breakdowns in zone integrity have cost them in key moments.
But statistically, this is a defense capable of greatness. With corrections, cohesion, and rest coming during the bye week, this unit has the potential to become one of the most dangerous defenses in the league.
The talent is real. The foundation is laid. Now comes the refinement.
– Forged In Steel Times
