Welcome to The Terrible Take, a daily segment telling Steelers Nation what's on our mind.

I'm Alex Kizora.

I know it's not a popular thought around here, but can defensive coordinator Terrell Austin get a little credit?

Since Matt Canada's 2023 midseason firing, Austin has drawn the ire of fans' attention, a defense that no question

struggle to end 2024 and at points in 2025. But the defense, like the rest of the team,

is moving in the right direction with two splashy performances before the buy. I get it's

hard to distinguish what is Tomlin and Austin's influence. No doubt

Tomlin is in First Command. But Austin has some influence. He even made a reference to being the one

who called the busted coverage on Jordan Addison's 81-yard catch, which I know is not helping

my argument for giving Austin

due credit. As someone who has been to every camp practice since COVID for over a decade,

the change was evident as it was stark. And since Austin was hired in 2019, no team has more

takeaways than Pittsburgh's 180.

I've made the point before way back in one of my earliest terrible takes, but it's one that bears repeating.

Austin has certainly opened to criticism like anyone else, but there is tangible and clear

good he's brought to the Steelers, seven takeaways the last two games that's been

on a recent display.

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