The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been celebrated for their formidable defense, but this season has exposed a vulnerability in the red zone. Cornerback Donte Jackson is among those acknowledging the lapses, highlighted by the team’s recent 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The numbers reveal a troubling trend: the Steelers have surrendered 17 touchdowns on 33 red zone attempts, ranking 12th in opposing red zone efficiency at 51.5%. Despite being the NFL’s fourth-best scoring defense and ninth in total yardage allowed, the red zone remains a sticking point. Jackson shared his perspective on the issue during a media session on Steelers Live.
“It’s just coming down to communication and execution,” Jackson explained. “Teams don’t get down there on us often, so I guess that leads us to lack some details in that area of the field.”
Jackson pointed to lapses in attention to detail as the primary culprit. This diagnosis is particularly surprising given the veteran-heavy nature of the Steelers’ defense, which includes standout players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward, and new addition Patrick Queen. Jackson stressed that even experienced defenses must strive for constant improvement.
“You’re always looking to get better in this league, especially toward the end of the season,” Jackson said.
A Collective Concern Among Steelers Veterans
While the Steelers remain in strong playoff contention—leading the AFC North at 8-3 and holding the third-best record in the conference—red zone issues loom large. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward echoed Jackson’s concerns, acknowledging the need for improvement.
“Once they’ve gotten down there, they’ve had a lot of success,” Heyward said. “We’ve got to clean that up. It can’t always be seven [points]. It can’t always be three [points]. But I like the fact they’re not getting down there often.”
Heyward emphasized the importance of minimizing scoring opportunities. “It can’t be a pick-your-poison situation,” he stated. “It’s got to be slim to none when you get down there. And when you do, it’s got to be three.”
The Steelers’ struggles were on full display against the Browns, who converted three of four red zone trips into touchdowns, including Nick Chubb’s two-yard game-winner with just 57 seconds remaining.
Looking Ahead to the Bengals
As the Steelers prepare for a divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals, red zone defense remains a focal point. The Bengals, sitting at 4-7, scored two of their three touchdowns from the red zone in their recent 34-27 loss to the Chargers. Despite Cincinnati being a 2.5-point favorite, Pittsburgh has dominated the rivalry historically, leading the all-time series 70-39.
For Jackson, Heyward, and the rest of the defense, tightening up in the red zone is critical to maintaining their playoff momentum. Their resolve will be put to the test as they aim to correct their shortcomings and reinforce the reputation of the Steelers’ defense.
