Steelers Legend Hines Ward Slams ‘Pathetic’ Team Performance Despite Win Over Patriots

Pittsburgh, PA — September 22, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped Gillette Stadium with a gritty 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 3, but Steelers legend Hines Ward didn’t mince words, calling the team’s performance “pathetic” despite the win. Speaking on a local radio show, the Super Bowl XL MVP criticized the team’s lackluster showing, pointing out that their success hinged on five Patriots turnovers rather than consistent play.

The Steelers (2-1) relied heavily on their defense, which forced four fumbles and one interception, including two critical stops at the goal line. Rookie Derrick Harmon (1 sack, 1 forced fumble), T.J. Watt (2 tackles for loss), and Jabrill Peppers (1 forced fumble) powered a unit that sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye five times. However, Ward argued the defense’s heroics masked deeper issues. “Five turnovers handed to you, and you barely win? That’s pathetic for a team with this talent,” Ward said. “The ‘Steel Curtain’ should dominate, not scrape by.”

Offensively, Pittsburgh struggled. Aaron Rodgers threw for 139 yards and two touchdowns (510 career TDs, passing Brett Favre), but a third-quarter interception and four consecutive three-and-out drives exposed inefficiencies. Jaylen Warren managed just 47 yards on 18 carries (2.6 yards per carry), while rookie Kaleb Johnson, benched after a Week 2 muffed kickoff, saw no action. “The run game’s dead,” Ward added. “You can’t win in the AFC North like this.”

Injuries compounded the Steelers’ woes. Alex Highsmith (ankle), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), DeShon Elliott (MCL sprain), and Max Scharping (ACL tear, out for season) were absent or limited, though Patrick Queen (ribs) and Harmon bolstered the lineup. The Patriots’ 369 total yards, including 268 from Maye, highlighted Pittsburgh’s vulnerability, especially against the run (122 yards allowed).

Ward’s critique reflects growing concerns as the Steelers face a tougher schedule, starting with the 2-1 Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the win’s importance but echoed Ward’s call for improvement: “We’re not where we need to be, but we fought for 60 minutes.” Fans on X were split, with one posting, “Ward’s right—this team’s sloppy!” while others praised the grit.

With the AFC North heating up, Pittsburgh must address its inconsistencies. Ward’s blunt assessment serves as a wake-up call: relying on opponents’ mistakes won’t sustain a playoff run. The Steelers need to rediscover their dominance to live up to their storied legacy.