The Pittsburgh Steelers are supposed to have the best defense in the NFL. After all, it is the highest-paid unit in the NFL, and it features names like T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey. But that defense gave up nearly 400 yards of offense to the New York Jets in its 2025 debut. Surely, the Seattle Seahawks can find some advantages to exploit if New York could.
Of course, the Jets ran the ball a lot against Pittsburgh, and that’s something Seattle should replicate. However, Justin Fields had one of the better passing performances of his career against his former team, and Sam Darnold could use a rebound himself after a shaky debut for Seattle.
For Darnold to have a rebound performance, he’ll have to target Pittsburgh’s weak spots in the secondary. If you go by name recognition alone, you’d probably settle on the combo of Chuck Clark and recently acquired Jabrill Peppers, who are replacing the injured DeShon Elliott. Sound strategy, but one of Pittsburgh’s starting cornerbacks also looks like a weak link worth exploiting.
Aging corner creates opening for Seattle Seahawks’ offense
Darius Slay is in his 13th NFL season, and he’s been really good for nearly every single year he has spent in the league. But his first outing with the Steelers left a lot to be desired.
Slay allowed both passes into his coverage area to be completed last week for 41 yards and a score. It’s not wise to write off a veteran of his pedigree after one tough performance, but it’s equally unsurprising to see that a nearly 35-year-old cornerback may have lost a step.
Of course, speed is something Seattle’s wide receivers bring to the table. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tory Horton are both downfield blazers who could sneak past the old veteran on the boundary and steal some chunk yardage in the process. Their route-running prowess can help open things up, too, by keeping the veteran on his toes.
Naturally, the Steelers will play some matchups. Ramsey will mostly handle the slot, but he’s not going to strictly cover Cooper Kupp either if Smith-Njigba is causing the sorts of problems Seattle can benefit from. Still, Joey Porter Jr. isn’t 100%, so Slay either has to pick up his play considerably or watch on as the Seahawks take full advantage.
Of course, for Seattle’s passing game to flourish, they need to be successful on the ground. New York made that seem doable against Pittsburgh, but every team makes massive adjustments from Week 1 to Week 2, and the Steelers will be no different.
But even with that in mind, the Seahawks' passing game must turn in a better performance than its Week 1 effort, too. Darnold just has to key in on his favorable matchups, and that means picking on Slay until he proves last week was a fluke.