Mike Tomlin Unhappy After Win vs. Jets, Calls Out Defensive Players by Name for Poor Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have opened the 2025 season with a thrilling 34-32 victory over the New York Jets, but head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear after the game that he wasn’t satisfied. Despite escaping with a comeback win, Tomlin zeroed in on one glaring issue: the run defense.

“It wasn’t good enough in the running game, particularly the RPO running game,” Tomlin told reporters. “We didn’t put enough pressure on Justin [Fields].”

The Jets ran the ball 39 times for 182 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and Breece Hall torched Pittsburgh with 107 yards on 19 attempts. Fields only managed 48 yards on 12 carries, but his two rushing touchdowns highlighted how vulnerable the Steelers looked at times.

Asked whether the struggles came down to scheme or execution, Tomlin admitted it was a mix of both:
“There were times when we weren’t good enough. Some plays, they just flat-out won. We had the numbers, but quarterback mobility and one-on-one football beat us. Big-time players win those matchups. That’s not new to us — but we’ve got to respond better.”

Advanced metrics didn’t do Pittsburgh’s defense any favors either. According to rbsdm.com, the Jets posted an efficient 0.08 EPA/play on the ground with a 47% success rate — numbers Tomlin flatly called “unacceptable.”

Still, there’s optimism moving forward. Rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon is nearing a debut after rehabbing an MCL sprain, and history suggests defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s unit can bounce back. Pittsburgh ranked seventh in EPA/rush allowed last season and gave up fewer ground yards than most teams. Upcoming matchups against the Seahawks, Patriots, and Vikings also present less daunting run offenses compared to New York’s.

Even with the Week 1 win, Tomlin’s message was blunt: improvement is non-negotiable.
“We got the win, but I don’t grade on a curve,” Tomlin said. “If we want to be the team we talk about being, then the standard must be the standard. Run defense has to tighten up — no excuses.”

The Steelers move on to host Seattle in Week 2, hoping to clean up the mistakes that nearly cost them their opener.