The Steelers defense has structurally changed in how it wants to impose its will on opponents, especially with its pass rush.

Teryl Austin’s first three years as defensive coordinator under Mike Tomlin featured a defense that sought to win primarily with four-man rushes and complex zone coverages. But this year, the Steelers have decided to ramp up the blitz. In 2024, the Steelers had the 12th-highest blitz rate in the NFL at 25.9%; through five games in 2025, the Steelers blitz at the second-highest rate in the NFL at 35.9%.

That change has been welcomed by the Steelers’ players, including Alex Highsmith who returned to action in Sunday’s 23-9 win over the Browns after he missed the previous three games due to injury.

“We’re getting back to what we are, and that’s Blitzburgh,” Highsmit

See Full Page