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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].”

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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.

Tre'von Moehrig Lavishes Praise on the One Who Replaced Him in His Absence
Can you believe it? A veteran star of the Carolina Panthers, Tre'von Moehrig, was suspended for a notorious "punch below the belt," but instead of being jealous, he's showering praise on his "replacement"! What's going on with this team? Read now for the "hot off the press" details from Week 13! The Carolina Panthers just caused an earthquake by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, despite missing a slew of key players. Under the "wizardry" of head coach Dave Canales, the team showcased incredible resilience. But the real spotlight belongs to Tre'von Moehrig – the Panthers' top safety, who's sidelined due to a suspension after punching wide receiver Jauan Jennings from the San Francisco 49ers below the belt. Yet, instead of sulking, Moehrig watched from home and... "went wild" over the performance of the rookie who stepped in for him! That's none other than Lathan Ransom, the young gun selected in the 4th round of the draft, who "stole" Moehrig's spot and turned it into his own stage. Ransom not only led the team with 11 tackles but also made his mark with a "top-notch" sack! Moehrig, with his wealth of experience, couldn't hide his excitement: "Man, I was hype (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see it all as the play was happening. I was like, Oh, there you go. I could see it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. Sky's the limit for him." (Translation: "Oh man, I was so hyped (for Lathan Ransom's sack). I could see everything as the play unfolded. I was like, Oh, there you go. I saw it all the way. So I was happy for him to get his first sack. He had a great game, and I'm just excited. The sky's the limit for him." This "sweet as honey" praise from Moehrig not only affirms Ransom's talent but also raises the question: Is this "replacement" threatening the starting positions of Moehrig and Nick Scott – the current starting safety duo? Panthers fans have been "whispering" about this for a while, after witnessing Ransom shine in summer practices and his flashy cameo appearances. With this impressive performance, Ransom is sure to get more opportunities, especially as the Panthers are "heating up" in the race for the NFC South championship! At 23 years old, Ransom is seen as a "rough diamond" with explosive potential, thanks to the Panthers' sharp personnel strategy. And Moehrig? This guy was signed as a "bargain" from the free agent market, and his leadership and positive attitude have completely transformed the team's defense in just his first season. That influence is spreading strongly to Ransom – the kid who shares many similarities and is gradually "transforming" into a future star. But that's not all – the lesson from Moehrig is accelerating the "youth revolution" at the Panthers! With this public praise, Moehrig isn't just acknowledging Ransom's growth but also igniting ambition for the entire team. Will the Panthers continue to "soar high" with this new generation? Don't miss out – follow now for the next drama in the NFL!