The Steelers Have Been Missing A Certain Something Since 2018 And There's No Telling When It Will Be Back

It has been almost a half decade since the Pittsburgh Steelers offense was feared by the majority of the NFL. Since 2019, the organization has had a subpar offense and consistently fallen in the bottom of the league in major statistical categories. Back in 2018, Pittsburgh's offense, led by future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, was first in completions and red zone touchdown percentage, along with ranking fourth in total yards and sixth in points. Offensive Coordinator at the time, Randy Fichtner, took a lot of heat, but the unit was efficient.

The Steelers had an extremely impressive offensive run from 2013 to 2018 and while there were weapons all over the field, there is a single common denominator that was the reason for the seemingly (until the playoffs came around) unstoppable offense. No one other than wide receiver, Antonio Brown could have changed the dynamic of a group more than him during that timeframe. 

In a six-year stint, the pass catcher collected over 9,000 yards receiving and caught 67 touchdowns. This was, without a doubt, one of the best stretches in NFL history. Defenses had absolutely no answer for Brown and he put up video games numbers several seasons in a row. He was destined to be one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.

Unfortunately for football fans everywhere, Brown took a dive off of the deep end and hasn't quite been the same since after the 2018 season. He would end up winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but everyone should still be wondering what could have been for the guy who once seemed unstoppable.

The common theory is that Brown started to take a downturn after the vicious hit from Vontaze Burfict in the 2016 NFL playoffs. The pass catcher had two productive seasons after it, but never was the same. Ever since he left, the Steelers offensive unit has also been far from the same. He also claimed James Harrison is at fault for contributing to him having CTE.

JuJu Smith-Schuster was clearly not the player everyone thought him to be without Brown on the field and the newer weapons in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are solid playmakers, but not even close to on the same level as Brown.

Fans from everywhere can knock Brown for his off the field actions, as they should, but it's impossible to deny the greatness that was witnessed when he took the field, especially with Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Pittsburgh's offense for 2023 has serious weapons, but nothing like it did roughly five years ago.

Steelers Need To Find Another Antonio Brown

It's hard to predict when the organization will next have someone as dynamic as Brown on the field. No one has gotten a glimpse of Calvin Austin III yet, but expectations are set high for anyone who aspires to be like the four-time All-Pro. The one thing that is clear is that Pittsburgh's offense has spiraled since Brown left.

Some of the downfall can be attributed to Roethlisberger aging, as well as Matt Canada's awful play-calling, but when one sits down and connects the dots, the Steelers desperately need and miss someone like Brown. His off the field and locker room antics aren't missed, but his playmaking ability sure is.

Pickens has the ability to be an incredible wide receiver in the NFL. Brown wasn't elite in his first couple seasons and no one expects guys to be, either. However, the Steelers need someone who sucks the souls out of defenses and if Pickens isn't the guy and Austin doesn't emerge, the organization will still be looking for a piece who can dominate like Brown did for years.

Do you think Pittsburgh needs someone as scary as Brown in the lineup? Let us know in the comments below!

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