Steel Curtain 2.0? How the Steelers Plan to Shut Down Lamar and the Ravens in 2025
The echoes of the Steel Curtain resonate through Pittsburgh’s football history. Legends like “Mean” Joe Greene and Jack Lambert terrorized offenses, setting a standard of defensive dominance. In 2024, the Steelers defense showed flashes of that brilliance, ranking among the league’s best before injuries took their toll. Now, as the 2025 season approaches, the question on every Steelers fan’s mind is: Can they recapture that legendary defensive prowess, especially against the ever-dangerous Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens?
The Challenge: Containing Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson presents a unique challenge. His dual-threat ability forces defenses to account for both his arm and his legs. In the past, the Steelers have struggled to contain him, as evidenced by Jackson’s career-best rushing performance against them in 2024. According to Ravens OLB Kyle Van Noy, the Steelers’ strategy of trying to make Jackson run more actually backfired, getting him into a comfortable rhythm.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the difficulty of defending Jackson and Derrick Henry simultaneously. He pointed out that Jackson’s running skills force defenses to play “11-on-11 football,” creating a mathematical disadvantage if a safety is playing too far off the line of scrimmage.
The 2025 Defensive Blueprint
So, how are the Steelers planning to solve the Lamar Jackson riddle in 2025? Several key factors point towards a revitalized and potentially dominant defense.
1. Defensive Line Reinforcements: The Steelers have invested heavily in their defensive line, recognizing that a strong pass rush is crucial to disrupting Jackson’s timing and containing his scrambling ability. The selection of Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft underscores this commitment. Harmon, along with veteran Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, forms a formidable interior defensive line.
2. Teryl Austin’s Strategy: Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is expected to remain with the team in 2025. Austin’s approach focuses on creating pressure while minimizing one-on-one matchups in the secondary. This involves using “bogus pressure,” where the Steelers show a blitz but drop defenders into coverage, preventing Jackson from exploiting isolated matchups downfield.
3. Improved Secondary: The Steelers have made significant additions to their secondary, acquiring Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey. These veteran corners bring experience and playmaking ability to a unit that already features Joey Porter Jr.. This infusion of talent should help the Steelers better match up with the Ravens’ receiving corps and limit Jackson’s passing options.
4. Key Players Returning: Despite some injuries in 2024, key players like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are expected to lead the Steelers’ pass rush. Watt, in particular, is a game-changer, capable of disrupting any offensive game plan. His ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers will be critical in containing Jackson.
5. A More Physical Defense: After being “manhandled” by the Ravens in the 2024 Wild Card game, Coach Tomlin emphasized the need for a more physical defense. The Steelers’ draft picks, including Harmon, Jack Sawyer, and Yahya Black, reflect this commitment to adding size and strength to the defensive front.
Game Plan Against Jackson
Based on past strategies and personnel changes, here’s a glimpse into how the Steelers might approach defending Lamar Jackson in 2025:
- Contain the Pocket: The Steelers will prioritize keeping Jackson in the pocket, limiting his opportunities to scramble for first downs. This requires disciplined pass rushers who maintain their lanes and prevent Jackson from escaping.
- Mix Coverages: Austin will likely employ a mix of man and zone coverages to keep Jackson guessing. Disguising coverages and blitzes will be essential to disrupting his pre-snap reads.
- Focus on the Run: While Jackson’s passing ability is a threat, the Steelers will likely focus on stopping the Ravens’ running game, particularly Derrick Henry. By forcing the Ravens to become more one-dimensional, the Steelers can better anticipate Jackson’s moves.
- Generate Turnovers: The Steelers’ defense thrives on creating turnovers. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the rest of the defense will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes by Jackson, whether through interceptions or forced fumbles.
Can the Steelers Reclaim Defensive Dominance?
The pieces are in place for the Steelers to field a top-tier defense in 2025. The additions to the defensive line and secondary, combined with the return of key players and a strategic defensive scheme, give them a chance to recapture the “Steel Curtain” mentality.
Pro Football Focus ranked the Steelers’ defensive line as the best in the NFL heading into 2025, citing the dominance of Watt and Heyward, as well as the addition of Harmon. However, the ultimate success of the Steelers’ defense will depend on their ability to execute their game plan and contain the dynamic threat of Lamar Jackson. If they can do that, the Steel Curtain 2.0 might not be just a dream, but a reality.