Everyone seems to have their own take on how the Pittsburgh Steelers are stacking up these days. However, when someone like Mel Blount, a former player and Hall of Famer, weighs in, his insights tend to resonate more powerfully than most. Blount recently shared his thoughts about the Steelers’ current roster situation, chatting with Ben Roethlisberger on his latest Footbahlin podcast episode.
“When I evaluate the Steelers,” Blount conveyed to Roethlisberger and co-host Spencer Te’o, “I see significant needs across the board. Whether it’s the offensive line, secondary, wide receivers, or quarterback – all these areas need attention. Our defense is solid, but there’s room for improvement. Without T.J. [Watt] anchoring it, we don’t have much left.”
His critique was both thoughtful and direct, especially concerning a defense that was once part of the legendary Steel Curtain, a hallmark of Pittsburgh’s storied defensive reputation. Unfortunately, Blount believes the current defensive unit falls short.
Although they boasted a top-10 scoring defense in 2024 and kicked off the season impressively, Pittsburgh’s defense seemed to lose steam as time went on. Opponents had no trouble running the ball, maintaining possession, and eventually wearing down the Steelers. The Wild Card round served as a harsh reminder, with Pittsburgh surrendering a franchise-record 299 rushing yards, leading to a 14-point defeat against Baltimore.
As Blount pointed out, the Steelers have relied heavily on standout players. When Watt is off the field, victories become elusive for Pittsburgh. His struggles towards the end of the season mirrored the team’s performance, with the pass rush tallying just 40 sacks, quite a dip from the 50-plus sacks in previous years.
Reflecting further, Blount stated, “I see numerous needs for the Steelers. The ones I mentioned, like secondary and pass rushing, are critical. We need a go-to receiver and a reliable quarterback. It’s like a race; once you’re behind, catching up is tough. If you ask me what I observe, there are many needs.”
Constructing a team nowadays presents more challenges than in Blount’s playing days. Free agency prompts more player movement, making it harder to maintain a cohesive group. Yet, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles have shown it’s possible, building a championship-winning roster. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh struggles to advance past the playoff barriers.
Each year without progress further distances them from aiming for a Lombardi Trophy, and the pressure, along with scrutiny, only intensifies. While much of this criticism may seem like outside chatter, when Mel Blount voices concerns, it’s wise to pay attention.
