Mike Tomlin gets bad news from Steelers insider ahead of Colts vs. Steelers Week 9 clash

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season with a 4-1 record with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. However, the team has lost consecutive games and faces a tough challenge against a high-flying Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

While Rodgers has led the offense admirably, Pittsburgh's star-studded defense has let down the team in the last two weeks. They have conceded 30+ points in the last two games against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers.

There is growing frustration among the Steelers fans, and the sentiment is shared by owner Art Rooney II, according to Pittsburgh insider Gerry Dulac. He made the claim during a weekly chat with a fan.

"Hello Gerry," a reader asked Dulac. "Are you under the impression that Art Rooney II is angry with Coach Tomlin over the lack of playoff wins in the last decade. Or getting so little out of the highest paid defense in the NFL?”

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Dulac replied:

"Angry is not the word. Frustrated or impatient would be a better choice."

Former NFL safety wary of Steelers' defensive struggles ahead of Colts clash

The Steelers are looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat but they have tough task on their hands especially with starting safety DeShon Elliott being placed on the injured reserve on Friday. Backup defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale (knee) was also placed on the injured reserve.

Elliott's backups, Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) and Chuck Clark (illness), have also been ruled for Sunday's game, leaving the defense in a tough position against a prolific Colts offense.

Former NFL player turned analyst Ryan Clark was critical of the Steelers' depleted defense on NFL Live on Friday ahead of the Colts clash.

"The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is no longer that vaunted unit that it used to be in the past,” Clark said. “When you look at the second half of that Green Bay Packer game, 20 straight completions for Jordan Love. Emmanuel Wilson able to run out the clock with physicality. That just can’t happen, and it normally doesn’t happen in Pittsburgh."

While the outcome of their Week 9 clash against the Colts might not define their season but a win against the AFC South leaders could inspire the Steelers to break out of their slump.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash