Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison didn’t hold back in his latest comments, calling out the team’s defense after their dismal performance against the Green Bay Packers. Following a loss that dropped the Steelers to a 4-3 record, Harrison expressed his frustration with the defense’s inability to live up to its potential, particularly considering they are the highest-paid defense in the NFL.
“There’s no excuse for this,” Harrison said during his podcast with Joe Haden. “We’re the highest-paid defense in the league, and we’re playing like a bottom-feeder. Something has to change, and it has to happen now. Enough talk, it’s time to make moves!”
Harrison’s words reflect the mounting frustration of both fans and players, as the Steelers’ defense has failed to meet expectations this season. Despite being loaded with talent, including veterans like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, the defense has struggled to perform at a level commensurate with their pay grade. In the loss to Green Bay, the Steelers allowed over 450 total yards, with Packers tight end Tucker Kraft exploiting defensive mismatches and quarterback Jordan Love completing crucial passes downfield.
“Being the highest-paid defense and playing like this doesn’t make sense,” Harrison continued. “We should be dominating the game, setting the tone. Right now, we’re not doing that, and it’s frustrating for everyone involved.”
This isn’t the first time the Steelers have faced struggles on defense this season. While they’ve had standout moments, including some key takeaways, the unit has allowed too many big plays and failed to force turnovers consistently. Harrison, known for his aggressive play on the field, emphasized that these defensive lapses are unacceptable, especially for a unit with so much talent and high expectations.
“There’s a lot of talent on this defense, but talent doesn’t matter if you’re not executing,” Harrison said. “You can’t keep saying ‘we’ll get it together next week.’ At some point, you have to deliver. We need more from everyone.”
Harrison also pointed to the need for better leadership and accountability. “If you’re not executing, you need to step aside and let someone else do it. We can’t keep making the same mistakes,” he stated.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming games, including a critical matchup against the AFC rival Cincinnati Bengals, the pressure is on the defense to step up. Head coach Mike Tomlin has also emphasized the need for improvement, but it’s clear that Harrison is calling for immediate action, not just words.
“If you’re a leader in this locker room, it’s time to take ownership,” Harrison concluded. “The defense needs to step up. No more excuses.”
The Steelers are at a crossroads, and it’s up to the defense to answer the call and live up to their massive potential. If they fail to do so, the season’s chances of making a deep playoff run could be in jeopardy.
