The Pittsburgh Steelers might legitimately be 1-6 in 2023 if the defense hadn't come up big on several different occasions in three of the four wins. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith have been absolute game-wreckers, but the offense hasn't always cashed in on the opportunities that have been presented to them due to strong defensive play. It has been frustrating for fans to watch an incompetent offense that rarely ever steps up to help its defense out. The same exact scenario occurred in Week 8 during the Steelers 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Steelers dominant edge rushers, Alex Highsmith (#56) and TJ Watt (#90) work together off to the side during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh will take on the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football in Week 9 which gives the team very little time to prepare for a critical AFC matchup. Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who usually speaks to the media on Tuesdays, changed up his schedule due to the short week. He spoke on Monday about the Week 8 loss and upcoming Week 9 matchup.
He had a very interesting take on the defense's ability to get three turnovers against Jacksonville. He is happy with their ability to take the ball away, but it almost seemed like he was implying he needs them to do more and step up on different areas of the field because of how poor the offense has played for the majority of the season.
"We were able to get some turnovers, but they weren't the type of turnovers that tee up the offense in terms of being on a short field. Although, I do appreciate them. They kept the score down."
It's rather baffling to hear that from Tomlin. It seems like he has no hope in the offense and either wants big returns on the turnovers, or for the defense just to score all together. The defense can only do so much for an incompetent offense. Maybe a new offensive play-caller would be able to take advantage of turnovers and momentum?
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada walks on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
Tomlin continued and echoed his comments about the defense wreaking havoc. He, again, wanted the entire media room to know that the turnovers weren't the good kind of ones (if that's even a real thing?).
"They weren't the type of ones that teed up the offense. Obviously, we got a desire to dominate the turnover component of play. We got some, but not the type that's really advantageous."
The Steelers had an impressive 93-yard drive after a Damontae Kazee interception that only resulted in three points. So it's reasonable to think that this specific turnover and drive is what Tomlin was talking about. A 93-yard drive is tough for any offense, let alone Pittsburgh's. After the other two giveaways by Jacksonville, Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada didn't have enough time to wake up from his mid-game nap and led two three-and-out possessions.
The Jaguars received the ball to start the second half and Pittsburgh forced a fumble at their own 35-yard line. It stalled Jacksonville's drive and gave the offense solid field position. The resulting drive was three plays that went for a whopping negative nine yards. Does Tomlin want every turnover to occur in the opponents' territory so he can at least guarantee three points? The comments just seemed a bit odd as a whole.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter/ X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin yells in the direction of one of his players during warmups prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Are An Offense Away From Being Serious Super Bowl Contenders
It's impossible to completely rebuild any offense in the offseason, let alone in-season. Pittsburgh's management needs to take a long look and evaluate the offense for the remainder of 2023. The defensive stars are not getting any younger and the prime of some of these guys' careers is being wasted. Turnovers should fire up an offense and "tee them up" anywhere on the field. Tomlin's comments speak volumes to what he truly thinks of the offense and how little faith he has in Canada's group.
Do you think the Steelers elite defense needs to play better? Let us know in the comments below!
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