Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers enter Week 2 of the regular season having given up 182 rushing yards in their season opener versus the New York Jets.
The run defense problems, of course, were a team issue, but it was a particularly rough performance for the Pittsburgh starting inside linebacker duo of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
Now, with top backup and run-stuffing specialist Malik Harrison on injured reserve, could the Steelers turn to a different name in Week 2 against the Seahawks to help stop the ground game?
While Holcomb was active last week against the Jets, he only saw playing time on special teams. Even Harrison, before his injury, saw just four snaps on defense. Even getting gashed against the run, the Steelers seemed set on keeping their starting duo out on the field.
But against the Seahawks, who could try to repeat New York’s run game success in Week 2, Pittsburgh should have some adjustments up its sleeve.
Prior to his 2023 season-ending injury, Holcomb was a three down-capable linebacker. Back on the field in 2025, he didn’t appear quite as fluid as he used to in the preseason, but still looked NFL-caliber. Coverage and sideline-to-sideline duties will be best kept to Queen and Wilson.
But, in the preseason at least, Holcomb looked like he still had what it takes to defend the run.
He made the team for a reason.
As I’ve written many times this offseason, Queen and Wilson are talented players who still aren’t the ideal fits for taking on a physical run game. I think mixing Holcomb into the rotation in certain scenarios on Sunday is something the Steelers should heavily consider. He’s a veteran who’s more comfortable crashing downhill, and with one of Queen or Wilson still on the field, Pittsburgh won’t be completely bereft of athleticism in the middle.
Plus, it gives Payton Wilson, who rotated heavily last season and still plays a lot of special teams snaps, a chance at a breather.
It doesn’t even have to be double digit snaps against the Seahawks, but it might be time to add Cole Holcomb to the linebacker rotation.
Should Cole Holcomb see some defensive snaps on Sunday? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments!
