Overview
- After allowing 68 points over two games, Pittsburgh ranks 32nd against the pass and 30th in total yards allowed, with four games of 30-plus points conceded.
- Tomlin said a switch in defensive play-calling is “not on the table” and reiterated he has been largely pleased with Austin’s work despite poor results.
- The takeaway-dependent defense produced 10 turnovers in the first four games but none in October, a drought Tomlin said has cost the team chances to win.
- Starting safety DeShon Elliott is week-to-week with a knee injury, and the team worked out veterans Vonn Bell and Eddie Jackson as Tomlin signaled openness to trade-deadline moves.
- Public pressure is mounting as former executive Doug Whaley and ex-linebacker James Harrison criticized the team’s direction, with Indianapolis’ league-best offense up next.