The Pittsburgh Steelers, on paper, have one of the most talented defensive rosters in the entire NFL. Throughout the 2024 season, their defense has bent but hasn’t truly broken, consistently stepping up in critical moments to keep the team competitive. In a league increasingly dominated by high-powered offenses, having a defense capable of disrupting game plans is invaluable, and Pittsburgh has long relied on stars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick to anchor their unit and frustrate opponents.
Despite their pedigree, the Steelers received a surprising snub from Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons. The Cowboys may be enduring a disappointing season, but Parsons has remained focused on his craft, including his work on his podcast. During a recent episode, he revealed his rankings of the top five defenses in the NFL for the 2024 season—and notably left Pittsburgh off the list.
For a franchise that has prided itself on defensive excellence for decades, being overlooked in such discussions is sure to raise eyebrows. While Parsons’ list may spark debate, it also underscores the challenges of consistently living up to lofty expectations in a league where defense often takes a backseat to offense. Still, with elite talent and a proud tradition, the Steelers are unlikely to let this slight go unnoticed as they aim to prove their place among the league’s defensive powerhouses.
Parsons ranked his top five defenses starting with the Philadelphia Eagles at five, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs at four. The Detroit Lions claimed the third spot, the Minnesota Vikings landed at two, and Parsons crowned the Denver Broncos as the league’s best defense. While his picks spark plenty of debate, leaving the Steelers off the list is surprising, considering their storied defensive reputation.
The Steelers have allowed just 224 points this season and 3,732 yards of total offense, showcasing their ability to limit opponents effectively.
Steelers' Defense Is About To Get Even Better.
What stands out most is that one of the league’s premier pass rushers shared his perspective on the top defenses. As the Steelers gear up for a grueling stretch of their schedule, their defense will need to elevate even further.
The impending return of star pass rusher Alex Highsmith is a major boost, strengthening the outside linebacker rotation alongside Watt. Highsmith’s presence not only improves Pittsburgh’s chances but also highlights the elite partnership he forms with Watt—a duo capable of dominating any offense. The Steelers are going to be very happy about getting Highsmith back from injury.