Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense wasn’t perfect against the Baltimore Ravens. They allowed north of 200 yards on the ground, and the Ravens made it to the red zone six times. However, Pittsburgh was very opportunistic when it came to making big plays. They limited the Ravens to just two touchdowns in those six red zone trips, and they won the game with an Alex Highsmith sack.
One of the key plays in the win was an interception by James Pierre that set up a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown, making the game 17-3. The takeaway was just another cherry on the sundae that has been Pierre’s breakout in the second half of the season. Head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about No. 42’s play during his Tuesday press conference.
“It’s him,” Tomlin said via Nick Farabaugh. “Ask any of his teammates. ”He’s tough-minded. The tough road is not something that’s new to him. He’s played it up mentality.”
Tomlin also made note of the unwavering belief that Pierre has in himself, and that it’s carried over onto the field this season.
Pierre has been nothing short of superb in 2025. Per Next Gen Stats, he has allowed just one touchdown as the nearest defender and is allowing a completion percentage of just 38.2 percent. He has gone from a guy who was nearly unplayable back in 2021, to a special teamer, to now becoming a reliable piece of the secondary – a truly remarkable story.
Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
