The Pittsburgh Steelers’ secondary has floundered since Week 3, allowing 54 points and ranking 29th in EPA per play over that span. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey pointed to a disconnect between players and coaches as a factor in the unit's struggles.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Ramsey addressed the recent additions of cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith. He suggested the coaching staff needs to integrate new players more thoroughly on the field to build cohesion. “The coaches have to put [new secondary members] out there with us so we can all get on the same page,” Ramsey said, according to Ashley Wenskoski. “There’s a little bit of a disconnect here right now, just with what we want to do on the field and how we play as a team and together as a secondary vs. just throwing a playbook in their hands and the coaches saying ‘This is how it has to look.’ That’s not how football works.”
Ramsey, a multiple-time All-Pro and Super Bowl winner, elaborated on what he sees as the difference between successful teams and the Steelers’ current situation. He referenced comments from teammate Aaron, who recently remarked that the best teams are player-led. “I think Aaron said it the other day in his press conference – the best teams that I’ve been on in my career are player-led teams,” Ramsey said. “We’re the ones on the field, we’re the ones that see and feel how the game is going and the flow of the game. When we can all be on the same page, it usually brings some success. Instead of just some guys going with the flow of the game, some guys going off of experience, and some guys having a playbook stuck in their locker and have to learn by the book things that offenses nowadays in 2026 don’t give you by the book drawn up formations.”
Since their strong start in Weeks 1 and 2, the Steelers’ defense has been vulnerable to quick passing attacks. Opponents have maintained one of the fastest times to throw against Pittsburgh, ranking fourth-quickest over the past several games. This has compounded the secondary’s difficulties in keeping up with opposing receivers and covering routes effectively.
Ramsey’s remarks reveal tensions between the players and coaching staff over how the secondary is managed and prepared during games. The veteran’s suggestion that the current approach—largely relying on teaching from a playbook handed down by coaches—does not align with the realities of contemporary offensive schemes stands out amid ongoing defensive woes.
The Steelers have also been dealing with injuries on offense, with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. sidelined for multiple weeks and recently photographed using a scooter after aggravating a foot injury. Meanwhile, safety DeShon Elliott’s activation window has opened, offering some potential depth for the defense.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth recently defended head coach Mike McCarthy’s remarks about a “clean house,” signaling that the team may be grappling with broader issues beyond just the secondary.
Ramsey’s comments come as the Steelers attempt to regain form on defense while navigating roster changes and coaching dynamics. The secondary’s performance will remain under close watch as the season progresses.
According to Yahoo Sports.
