The Pittsburgh Steelers have a major concern that is actually pretty surprising.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known as a strong defensive ballclub, but things appear to be taken a strange turn early on in the 2025 NFL campaign.

After surrendering 32 points in a Week 1 win over the New York Jets, the Steelers fell 31-17 to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. While Pittsburgh's offense certainly wasn't up to snuff (Aaron Rodgers struggled mightily in the defeat), its defense didn't answer the call, either.

The Steelers were shredded for 395 total yards, and once again, their run defense was gashed, with the Seahawks tallying 117 yards on the ground. Last week, the Jets racked up 182.

Pittsburgh ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing defense in 2024, allowing just 98.7 rushing yards per game. That is in stark contrast to the first two weeks of 2025.

Kenneth Walker III rattled off 105 yards and a touchdown for the Seahawks on Sunday, averaging a hefty eight yards per carry. Zach Charbonnet was ineffective, logging just 10 yards on 15 attempts (yikes), but Walker punctured the Steelers' defense more than enough on the afternoon.

If Pittsburgh's offense is unable to keep up every week, this could become a significant problem for the the club, which has generally always relied heavily on its defense throughout history.

To make matters worse, the Steelers lost Alex Highsmith — an edge rusher known to be very stout against the run — to injury, and he might not be back anytime soon.

Suddenly, Pittsburgh is flashing some serious red flags, and to be perfectly honest, its defense was not particularly good in either of its first two games. For example, the Jets managed just 10 points against a Buffalo Bills defense that permitted 40 points last week. That was after New York dropped 32 on the Steelers last Sunday.

It's still very early in the season, so there is plenty of time for Pittsburgh to turn things around. Perhaps the Steelers will find their groove within the next couple of weeks. But there is no doubt that early indications are not great for the defense in Steel City.

Pittsburgh will face the New England Patriots in Week 3.