Harrison and Bell Slam Steelers After Patriots Blowout

After a 20-3 defeat to the New England Patriots, former Steelers players James Harrison and Le'Veon Bell publicly decried the team's performance. They targeted the offensive line, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and the defense, highlighting a season that has seen Pittsburgh struggle to compete.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:56:21 GMT

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a decisive 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, a game that left former teammates James Harrison and Le'Veon Bell furious enough to take to social media and call out the franchise’s current state. Harrison labeled the squad "cooked" and slammed the offensive line, while Bell focused on the lackluster play of wide receiver DK Metcalf and the overall defensive effort.

What Happened on Sunday

The Steelers’ offense was a picture of ineptitude, managing only 278 total yards. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who had been traded to Pittsburgh earlier in the season, struggled to find rhythm, throwing for 187 yards and an interception. A fumble by Rodgers was recovered by New England and turned into a touchdown, widening the gap. Metcalf, who had been a bright spot in previous games, was limited to four catches for 27 yards, a stark contrast to his usual production.

The ground attack was equally ineffective, with the team accumulating just 91 rushing yards. The offensive line’s inability to protect and open lanes was a recurring theme, a point Harrison highlighted in his post-game rant. Meanwhile, the defense, though not entirely collapsed, failed to generate momentum, allowing the Patriots to score 17 points, 13 of which came from the Patriots’ own offense and one from a defensive play.

Reactions from Former Stars

James Harrison, a former Steelers defensive end known for his tenacity, posted a series of screenshots and commentary that criticized the current coaching staff’s strategy. He described the team as "cooked," implying that the organization had lost its competitive edge and was in a state of decline.

Le'Veon Bell, a former Steelers running back who has since moved on to other teams, took a different angle. He focused on the lack of effort from the defensive unit and singled out Metcalf for underperforming. Bell’s comments suggested that the team’s defensive identity had become muddled, and that the offensive weapons were not being utilized effectively.

Season Context and Upcoming Challenges

Pittsburgh entered the game with a 1-1 record, having won its opener against the Atlanta Falcons but dropping a close contest to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. The loss to the Patriots has cast doubt on the Steelers’ playoff aspirations, especially as they now face a tough matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals next week. The Bengals, who have shown a strong defensive line, will test whether the Steelers can regroup after a demoralizing defeat.

With the AFC West and East battling for playoff spots, the Steelers’ position is precarious. The team’s coaching staff is under scrutiny, and the front office may need to make decisive moves to address the offensive line’s deficiencies and rebuild the defensive core.

Why This Matters to Steelers Fans

For Pittsburgh supporters, the comments from Harrison and Bell resonate deeply. The city’s football culture prides itself on grit and resilience, and the current state of the Steelers feels at odds with that legacy. The criticism highlights a broader conversation about the franchise’s direction, the effectiveness of its coaching, and the need for a strategic overhaul to return to competitiveness.

As the season progresses, the Steelers will need to address both immediate performance issues and long-term structural changes. The upcoming game against the Bengals will be a litmus test for whether the team can salvage its season and begin to rebuild confidence among its fan base.

What’s Next for the Steelers?

The team’s next steps will likely involve a review of the offensive line’s personnel and coaching. Management may consider trades or free‑agency signings to bolster the line’s protection and run‑blocking capabilities. On the defensive side, the coaching staff will need to reassess player roles and schemes to create a more cohesive unit that can compete against top offenses.

For now, the Steelers face a challenging road ahead. Their performance against the Bengals will be crucial in determining whether they can regain footing in the AFC and re‑establish themselves as a playoff contender.

Key facts

Pittsburgh lost 20-3 to the Patriots, highlighting offensive and defensive struggles
Former players Harrison and Bell publicly criticized the team's performance
Offensive line and wide receiver DK Metcalf were specifically targeted
The Steelers’ season record is 1-1, raising playoff doubts
Upcoming game against the Bengals will test the team's resilience

Why it matters

The public criticism from former Steelers stars underscores growing concerns about the franchise’s direction and performance, prompting fans and stakeholders to question the team's competitiveness and future.

Frequently asked questions

Who are James Harrison and Le'Veon Bell?

James Harrison is a former Steelers defensive end and Hall of Famer, while Le'Veon Bell is a former Steelers running back who has played for other NFL teams.