Although 5-3 through eight games, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been experiencing quite the rollercoaster of events, outcomes and emotions. It's no secret that a Mike Tomlin-coached team will overachieve in the regular season, but it always comes with its negatives. In recent memory, the team has struggled mightily to score and advance the ball downfield in a league now defined by modern offensive concepts. They rank near the bottom in every statistical category on offense, including being outscored and out-gained as a whole. Despite all this, the Steelers are exceeding expectations and winning football games.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA.
As the season progresses, they may have to rely on more than just great defense and fourth quarter heroics. Nine games remain on the schedule, and four of those are AFC North opponents (Bengals twice, Browns and Ravens). Five of them are teams with at least five wins or better heading into Week 10, and the remaining four are all well under .500 (Packers, Colts, Patriots, Cardinals). As it currently stands, all four divisional opponents would make it into the postseason. There's little room for error, and slipping up at any point down the stretch could very well cost Pittsburgh a playoff spot.
Steelers Have Clear Path To The Playoffs
Say what you want about starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, but there's no denying that he's been less than what was originally expected of him when he took over the starting job in 2022. Pickett ranks near the bottom in several statistical categories for starting quarterbacks (touchdowns thrown, passing yards, completion percentage and completions to name a few).
On that same note, he has not passed the eye test on film either. His tendency to over or under-throw wide-open receivers, run into blitzes and sacks, force errant throws, and not target his best weapons more often are just a few causes for concern. Rookie sensation, CJ Stroud has thrown for more touchdowns so far in his first eight games than Pickett has through over 20 starts. Fourth quarter comebacks are great, but nothing else about the Pitt graduate should inspire any sort of optimism or confidence moving forward.
If the Steelers aim to compete in the playoffs in January, they must ensure Pickett is a far more accurate and consistent quarterback under center. At this point, nobody expects him to light up defenses on the other side of the ball, but if he can simply be more reliable, execute routine NFL throws better, and make smarter decisions with the football, good things will happen.
Pickett isn't the only issue plaguing the Steelers' offense right now, as Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada appears destined to be shown the door following the conclusion of the regular season. While having him on the sidelines now is more ideal than previously being upstairs, Canada still has his work cut out for himself.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada stares into the distance before a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Needless to say, the Canada experiment at offensive coordinator has been a total disaster. Ever since the promotion from the quarterbacks coach staff position in 2021, Pittsburgh has been statistically one of the worst offenses from top to bottom. It has become an extreme eyesore watching an offense coordinated by him for just about every Steelers fan. On many occasions, they cannot even move the chains and are forced to punt over a three-and-out, which is a more predominant theme rather than converting on them. Nothing about the offense is great by any means, but shockingly enough, it can't get any worse than this.
If things were to improve, the Steelers first and foremost need to move the chains. Far too many drives have ended in either punts or turnovers. Unsurprisingly, they are almost dead last in total first downs per game. Next, you have to run the football well. The last game on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans resulted in over 100 total rushing yards on offense, a season-high. Having rookie first-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones start in place of the underperforming Chukwuma Okorafor has also been a major boost to the offensive line up front in run protection.
Thirdly, you need to score some touchdowns in the red zone. The number of times they have not capitalized on juicy scoring chances is becoming a major problem after finally putting together decent drives downfield. The previous game was indicative of this, as Pittsburgh fell apart on two different red zone opportunities. One way to solve this issue is to scheme open your best receivers more often the such as George Pickens, who expressed some level of frustration over his lack of targets.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Edge Rusher TJ Watt rumbles towards the endzone during the Steelers 2023 Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns
Lastly, true playoff success and qualification will hinge squarely on the Steelers' defense down the stretch. If there's anything worth improving, it'd be stopping the run and the leaky pass defense, as Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half of the league. A healthier Cameron Heyward should, over time, help patch up what has been some very leaky run defense. Meanwhile, rookie cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. is providing the team with the shutdown corner they have hoped for ever since drafting him 32nd overall.
Stopping the run and limiting aerial passing attacks from accumulating too many explosive plays and yards will be critical factors moving forward, as they face several teams who possess highly potent offenses. Staying disciplined and avoiding unnecessary penalties late in games are also going to be crucial, as this season has been riddled with yards given up off of penalties, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Defense is the heartbeat and identity of a Steelers franchise, historically known for piggyback riding on its best defensive players. If they can, not only play a cleaner game on the stat sheets, but also continue to force league-high turnovers and game-defining stops over four quarters of football, it's hard to imagine them not competing for an AFC Wild Card spot.
What do you think, Steelers fans? Will they make it into the postseason if the following adjustments are made? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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