ST.Steel Curtain Legend Expresses “Disappointment” Watching NFL’s Most Expensive Steelers Defense

Pittsburgh, PA – 09:39 PM, 27/10/2025 – Legendary “Mean” Joe Greene, the soul of the 1970s “Steel Curtain,” has voiced his disappointment while observing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ performance in the 2025 NFL season. As the sole surviving member of the iconic front four that led the Steelers to four Super Bowls, Greene shared his thoughts in a rare interview at Acrisure Stadium. “I’m sitting in the best seat, but what I’m watching isn’t beautiful at all. This isn’t what my teammates and I built—it’s not about money, personal stats, or numbers, but about exciting plays, relentless defense, and unbreakable spirit. I see Steelers yearning for the Steel Curtain, but their approach is all about cash,” he said.

In the 2025 season, the Steelers heavily invested in their defense, shelling out over $120 million for stars like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward. Yet, with a 4-3 record by Week 8, the defense ranks 22nd in the NFL for yards allowed (348.7 per game) and leaks 136.2 rushing yards per game—the worst since 1988. The recent 35-25 loss to the Packers highlighted these issues.
Ladies and gentlemen, the highest-paid defense in the entire NFL… pic.twitter.com/x8QM0wc30R— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 27, 2025
Greene emphasized that spirit, not money, is the key, contrasting today’s team with the “Steel Curtain” era, where he and his teammates formed an impenetrable wall through unity. Bill Cowher agrees: “They have talent but lack identity.” The 33-31 loss to the Bengals exposed their lack of cohesion.
Head coach Mike Tomlin admitted the need for improvement. “We respect Joe’s legacy, but each era is different. We’re seeking a new identity,” he said after the Packers defeat. Fans on X criticize the defense’s reliance on individuals, demanding tactical changes.
With tough games looming, the Steelers must act fast. Greene remains hopeful: “I believe Pittsburgh can do it. But they need to play with heart, not just wallets.” Can they reclaim past glory? The answer lies in the coming weeks.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: NFL Week 9 – Raiders vs Jaguars – Game Preview, How to Watch, Stream and Listen

After seeing their two-game skid deepen in a frustrating loss to the Chiefs, the
Las Vegas Raiders look to harness the bye-week momentum this Sunday as they welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars to Allegiant Stadium — another AFC foe hungry for a divisional foothold.
📺 How to Watch
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ (CBS feed), NFL+ (mobile/tablet only)
- Radio: Raiders Radio Network (98.5 The Sports Yard in Las Vegas)
Fans in the Silver State will receive the regional CBS broadcast featuring
Andrew Catalon on play-by-play, former NFL quarterback Tiki Barber as analyst, and Ajay Patel reporting from the sidelines. The Raiders Radio crew includes Jason Horowitz, Raheem Mostert, and
Amber Theoharis.
🕒 Game Details
- Date: Sunday, November 2
- Kickoff: 1:05 p.m. PDT
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada
⚡ Scouting the Raiders Las Vegas (2–5) has battled inconsistency under head coach
Pete Carroll, starting strong with a Week 1 upset but stumbling into the bye amid offensive droughts and defensive lapses. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith brings steady experience, flashing pocket poise despite turnovers, while the run game leans on
Zamir White‘s burst. Head coach Pete Carroll stressed resilience post-bye, noting that “this break was about resetting our edge — we’re built for comebacks, and Allegiant’s our fortress.”
🐆 Scouting the Jaguars Jacksonville (4–3) rides a rollercoaster after their London blowout, blending explosive plays with untimely collapses. QB
Trevor Lawrence dazzles with deep accuracy but nurses a shoulder tweak, slinging to WR Travis Hunter in his dual-threat role and Brian Thomas Jr. for speed. DE Josh Hines-Allen terrorizes QBs, but the Jags’ secondary ranks shaky against the pass. They shocked the Steelers in primetime last month, yet a wild 39–38 defeat to the Jets exposed closing woes — now, they’re chasing wild-card breathing room.
⚔️ What to Watch For Both squads emerge refreshed, but the Raiders must feast on Jacksonville’s 29th-ranked rush defense, unleashing White and Raheem Mostert for 150+ ground yards to control tempo. Las Vegas’ pass rush, led by
Maxx Crosby (7 sacks), eyes Lawrence’s mobility — a strip-sack could flip the script. The Jags’ vertical attack tests CB Eric Stokes, while turnovers (Raiders lead AFC with 12 forced) might decide a low-scoring grind. A home victory vaults Silver and Black toward .500 and AFC West relevance.
📅 Remaining Raiders Schedule