Head coach Mike Tomlin understands criticism directed at Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin in the midst of a two-game losing streak during which the Bengals and Packers combined for 68 points and six touchdown passes.

The Steelers (4-3) are holding onto first place in the AFC North entering November but far off on Tomlin’s own preseason expectations for a defense capable of “historic things.”

“I’ve known Teryl a long time,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “He’s very capable. He’s very thorough. I’ve largely been pleased with his work, but certainly he and I are not pleased with where we are right now from a defensive unit perspective, and so we’re just going to keep working.”

Tomlin said replacing Austin as the down-to-down defensive playcaller is “not on the table as we sit here toda

See Full Page