Steelers' Top 10 Defensive Stars of Week 12, According to PFF

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to heal from their team’s disappointing Week 12 loss. Several prominent Steelers players, units, and coaches have been involved in the blame game for the loss to the Cleveland Browns, with much of the discussion focusing on the inefficiency of Pittsburgh’s offense.

However, as pointed out by Pro Football Focus, the Steelers’ defense posted one of its worst grades of the 2024 season so far. While there were some breakout performances on defense, the majority of Pittsburgh’s most consistent defenders fell flat on Thursday Night Football against Cleveland. With that in mind, here are the Steelers’ top 10 defensive players from Week 12, according to PFF:

Right Outside Linebacker Nick Herbig: 93.1

Inside Linebacker Payton Wilson: 79.7

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) looks on before playing the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.

Defensive Tackle Cameron Heyward: 75.1

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 28: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium on October 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Defensive Tackle Larry Ogunjobi: 72.1

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Left Outside Linebacker T.J. Watt: 71.2

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 29: Outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Safety DeShon Elliott: 69.0

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr.: 68.5

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 06: Beanie Bishop Jr. #31 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Jalen Tolbert #1 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Inside Linebacker Patrick Queen: 66.7

CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Patrick Queen #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter in the game at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cornerback Donte Jackson: 65.1

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.

Safety Miles Killebrew: 63.5

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 09: Miles Killebrew #28 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a fake punt during the second quarter in the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.