Ex-Raven Calls Steelers Defense ‘Frauds’ after Colts Loss
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was on a historic pace after three games, ranking No. 1 in total defense (29.7 yards) and scoring defense (8.7 points), third in rushing defense (71.3 yards) and sixth in passing defense (158.3 yards).
The defense came back down to earth in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, however. The talk of the Steelers having a legendary defense might have been premature, as they looked pretty mediocre against Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
Former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Chris Canty called out the Steelers’ defense on ESPN Monday morning. He even went as far as calling the unit frauds.
“I hate to do it to my friend and brother Mike Tomlin, but I have to say they’re frauds,” Canty said. “I don’t want to hear how it’s a great defense. You’re not a great defense. The Colts kept hitting their heads on the goal post to start the game. They led with three straight scoring drives. Including back to back touchdowns. Frauds.”
Flacco diced up the Steelers’ defense in the second half after Richardson left the game with a hip injury. A great defense would’ve capitalized on the opportunity against a backup quarterback, even though Flacco is experienced and the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year.
“I’m not going to call the Steelers frauds, but I will say yesterday was a disappointment. They were very sloppy,” Stephen A. Smith said on First Take. “They let Indianapolis come out right from the gate. I’m not going to call them frauds. I think that would be extreme. The expectations for them were not that high to begin with. We looked at Baltimore and Cincinnati and we said to ourselves the Steelers will struggle to get in the mix. Yet they’re 3-1 this far.”
The Steelers were unable to get pressure on Flacco, choosing to rush just four instead of blitzing the veteran quarterback. T.J. Watt had no sacks and no impact plays. It was a very rare off day for the All-Pro edge rusher.
“The thing that worried you a little bit now, the defense man. They gave up eight converted third downs. Now that’s not a Pittsburgh Steeler defense. T.J. Watt, no sacks. Like I was shocked by that defense couldn’t get off the field,” former NFL head coach Rex Ryan said on ESPN’s Get Up.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has had his way against Mike Tomlin, dating back to when he was the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator in 2022. It’s the third straight year that he’s defeated Tomlin and the Steelers, second time with the Colts. In the three games since 2022, Steichen’s offense has put up 92 points and 1,131 yards against Pittsburgh.
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