Ben Roethlisberger made his long-awaited return on Monday night for the Pittsburgh Steelers and while he had a decent performance, so did Pittsburgh's defense. After securing the victory in Week 1, Roethlisberger had nothing but praise for Pittsburgh's defense after their outing against the New York Giants.

“They're unbelievable. Unfortunately, I have to face them every day in practice,” Roethlisberger told reporters. “They're one of the best defenses I've played with and I've played with some really good ones so I'm excited to be on the football field with them.

Throughout the years, the Steelers have had dominant defenses to go along with Roethlisberger and the offense. As a result, they've been able to win two Super Bowls during Roethlisberger's career with the franchise.

And after he returned from a season-ending elbow injury in Week 1, the Steelers' defense didn't disappoint. While Daniel Jones had a hot and cold performance, Pittsburgh's defense forced two turnovers, with one of them coming after a 19-play drive for the Giants.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen gets real on what’s motivating him this offseasonGuillermo Guajardo ·
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contract
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contractChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) puts on his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility. Tom Arth
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers sounds off on personal life privacy concernsBenedetto Vitale ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Stephen A. Smith’s brutal Aaron Rodgers-Kevin Durant takeColin Loughran ·

Similar to most teams, the Steelers are going to have weeks where Roethlisberger and the offense aren't at their best. The veteran quarterback realizes that having a daunting defense can help overcome those weeks.

“As a quarterback, they allow you to play more free because if you do make a mistake you can count on them to bail you out of it and they did it tonight numerous times, creating turnovers, big stops, I just can't say enough about the way they play.”

Some view the Steelers as contenders in the AFC due to Roethlisberger returning under center. However, if the defense is able to perform like they did last season and in Week 1, then Pittsburgh believes they can win their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.