In what has been nothing short of a disappointing season thus far continued to get worse as the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to their division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday by a score of 37-30. This loss means that the Steelers now fall a solid four games under .500 and still sit four games back of the AFC North crown. Although it may be hard to imagine, this Steelers football team is not built like the ones from the past and it seems this particular team has struggled to find their identity all season. Expected from a young football team yes, but it’s not any situation that Steeler Nation is used to seeing.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 20: Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals tackles Steven Sims #82 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
What seems to be holding this team back has been their play offensively, ranking 26th in the NFL in total offense and averaging a measly 17 points per contest. Many have questioned offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s offensive scheme dating back to last season where the Steelers offense ranked 23rd overall at season's end. With the amount of playmakers we have on that side of the ball, it is hard to come up with a reason why this team struggles to score points when needed, especially with two former Pro Bowlers at the focus of this offense.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 17: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Diontae Johnson #18 celebrate Harris' touchdown during the second quarter Seahawks at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Sunday's offensive performance was a sight for sore eyes as it was the first time all season this team has scored over 20 points in any contest, scoring 30 against the defending AFC Champions. Our rushing game has created a tad bit of consistency, as it was the second straight week running back Najee Harris rushed for over 90 yards and has now scored three touchdowns in the past two games. It does seem like Harris’s recent consistency is creating positive chances for Kenny Pickett in the passing game, resulting in back to back 20 point performances offensively.
“I mean, there’s a lot of good stuff that we put on film. Obviously, we scored. One time, I think we were 5/7 on third down, we’re building from there. We scored 30 and it was the first time all season scoring 30 [points], right? So it’s good you know, but obviously it’s not good enough and in the NFL, you need to be good enough to win these games,” said Harris.
“You need to execute on the important downs."
Although scoring points will win you football games in the NFL, so will good situational football. Taking advantage of what the opposing team gives you, and creating your own chances with it, something this Steelers team needs to get better at. There were plenty of opportunities for the Steelers to pull away from their division rivals offensively, and they failed to do so.
In this game alone, the Steelers defense came up with two interceptions (Levi Wallace and T.J. Watt) that were either in, or close to enemy territory, The Steelers offense only gathered 6 total points from both of those turnovers, failing to gain a lead on either. Situational football will win you games, taking advantage of those opportunities is what will win you games. Something echoed by Diontae Johnson postgame.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace (29) celebrates interception off Joe Burrow in Sundays 37-30 loss vs The Cincinnati Bengals. | Aaron Anastasia/Steelers.com
“ We just couldn't get in a rhythm. I mean, you seen it out there. We just couldn't, when we had those field position opportunities, we just didn't capitalize on them. This is what happens when you don't capitalize, obviously stuff doesn’t fall in your favor.”
“It’s what we didn’t do. Like I said, we didn’t capitalize on field position whenever we had it. They made plays and stopped us, but we just didn’t make as much plays as we should have,” said Johnson.
Do you think this offense can stay consistent and end this year on a positive note? Comment below!
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