The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Donte Jackson ahead of the 2024 season. Many were excited about him joining the team, and the rumblings within the organization suggested he was a much better player than many realized. Jackson started the year strong, grabbing five interceptions, but his inability to stay healthy has been a recurring issue. New injuries seem to surface nearly every game, and his overall performance has taken a significant nosedive as the season has progressed.
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Steelers' Donte Jackson gets an interception with support from Minkah Fitzpatrick during an away game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2024 NFL season.
Another notable addition was defensive back Cam Sutton. After being released by the Detroit Lions due to legal troubles, the Steelers gave Sutton a second chance, hoping he could return to the reliable form he once displayed in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Sutton has been far from the dependable presence the team needed. His struggles in coverage have been glaring, and opposing quarterbacks are clearly targeting him with success.
A closer look at the numbers reveals just how poorly both players have performed in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, Sutton currently holds a woeful coverage grade of 47.5, while Jackson isn’t much better with a grade of 50.3. These numbers highlight a troubling reality for the Steelers' secondary, which was expected to be a strength this season. If these performances continue, Pittsburgh's defense could face even bigger challenges down the stretch.
Per PFF grades, 138 CBs have played 100 or more coverage snaps this season.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) December 26, 2024
Donte Jackson is now ranked 132nd
Cam Sutton is ranked 128th
In a social media post shared by NFL Draft analyst Jon Ledyard, he emphasized just how concerning these coverage grades are. Out of 138 graded cornerbacks, both Sutton and Jackson rank near the very bottom. While fans often debate the accuracy of PFF grades, extreme scores like these usually paint an accurate picture. The reality is clear: Sutton and Jackson are struggling significantly in Pittsburgh, and their recent performances have only made matters worse.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Payton Wilson and TJ Watt during the Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 NFL season.
The Steelers were riding high before this grueling three-game stretch in just ten days. They suffered losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs—three undeniably tough opponents. However, Pittsburgh entered this stretch viewed as legitimate contenders. After dropping all three matchups, it’s hard to argue against the notion that they now look far more like pretenders.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Allowed Yet Another Late Season Collapse
Mike Tomlin said he wasn’t going to get dramatic after the loss to the Eagles. Well, it’s certainly time for Steelers fans to be dramatic. You don’t get thoroughly outplayed in three consecutive games and simply brush it off. This feels like yet another example of a Tomlin-led team unraveling when it matters most.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
The Steelers now have one final chance to salvage some momentum heading into the playoffs with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals. But that will be no easy task. The Bengals are a formidable opponent, and Pittsburgh will need to dig deep to avoid ending the regular season on a sour note.
With the postseason looming, a victory over Cincinnati isn’t just important—it’s essential. The Steelers desperately need a confidence boost to turn things around and enter the playoffs with a sense of optimism and belief.
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