The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is known for its gritty, relentless style, but recent changes have raised eyebrows — and not in a good way. Head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin have made a series of subtle defensive adjustments that, on the surface, seem to signal larger roles for a handful of players. However, these adjustments might be more about creating a narrative than producing actual on-field impact.
Three players have been at the center of these defensive tweaks: rookie linebacker Nick Herbig, third-year cornerback Levi Wallace, and veteran safety Keanu Neal. The buzz around these players has intensified, with analysts and fans speculating that they could soon be stepping into bigger roles. But while these changes are being framed as a strategic evolution for the defense, it’s hard not to wonder if the Steelers are just trying to sell hope in an otherwise stagnant unit.
Nick Herbig, the standout rookie linebacker, has shown promise, but calling him the “next great Steelers linebacker” is premature. The defense may be adjusting to incorporate him more regularly, but it’s more likely that he’s being overhyped based on limited flashes of brilliance rather than sustained excellence. The same goes for Levi Wallace, whose inconsistency as a starting cornerback has raised doubts throughout his tenure with the team. Just because Wallace is getting more snaps doesn’t mean he’s going to suddenly become the lockdown corner Pittsburgh so desperately needs.
Perhaps the most puzzling tweak is the increased involvement of Keanu Neal. Signed to provide veteran depth, Neal has yet to prove he can be a game-changer at safety. The Steelers’ decision to give him more responsibility could be seen as a desperate attempt to fill a gap rather than a true upgrade to the defense.
In reality, these defensive “adjustments” might be more about filling perceived gaps in talent rather than any genuine strategic overhaul. Pittsburgh’s defense is still missing key pieces, and these tweaks could just be an attempt to distract from the bigger issues. Instead of propelling the defense to a new level, these adjustments may ultimately fall flat — leaving fans wondering if the Steelers are only adding fuel to the hype machine.
