Steelers Offensive Players Realize Things Can't Get Much Worse After Recent Slide

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive struggles have now carried late into the season. In a season in which they were expected to take a step forward, that hasn't exactly happened. All of that fed into the firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday. It was a clear message that the unit hasn't gotten it done. They continue to rank near the bottom of the league in every category and most notably, quarterback Kenny Pickett has taken a step back in his progression over the past month. 

The team will use quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan to call plays now, a hope that his connection with Pickett will help improve things. The running game has shown immense improvements, particularly Jaylen Warren, who has racked up consecutive 100-yard performances. Overall, the offensive players are remaining optimistic. That includes backup wide receiver Miles Boykin, as Mike DeFabo of The Athletic asked him what the confidence level is in this offense.

"High. Judging by how we've been playing, I don't think there's anywhere else to go. We've got to play better," Boykin said via DeFabo.

He's not wrong, the offense has averaged just 16.6 points per contest on the season. That's fifth-worst across the NFL, the same spot they sit in total yards per game. The passing game has been the second-worst unit, a testament to Pickett's struggles in his second season. Those struggles have reached a point where fans and former players are beginning to question whether the 2022 first-rounder is the guy moving forward.

Should The Steelers Consider Benching Pickett?

Despite his concerning performances, the team is sticking with him as the starter. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was specifically asked about this in his press conference on Tuesday, and he provided zero hesitation by naming Pickett the starter still. Fellow veteran wideout Allen Robinson II echoed comments eerily similar to Boykin via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. He believes in the overall talent of the group, led by Pickett.

"Confidence is high. At the end of the day, the lows and stuff that we have have had on offense doesn't come down to one person, one individual or anything like that... I think that we have the right group to be able to do that, to get this thing pushed in the right direction. We have an immense amount of talent. I think that we've seen everybody making the plays that they're capable of making across the board at every position group," Robinson said via Pryor.

The talent is there, and that's what makes the struggles even more frustrating for fans. Over the last few years, the Steelers have invested heavily into the offensive side of the ball, particularly at the playmaking positions. They've mostly done this via the NFL Draft in the first few rounds. Still, it hasn't translated to success on the field for the AFC North team. Meanwhile, the defense continues to keep this team in nearly every contest.

The defense is why the team has a 6-4 record still, but now, there are no more excuses for Pickett and this offense. There's no more pointing the finger to Canada with him no longer in the fold. It's important for the veterans, like Robinson and Boykin, to keep this offense together in the locker room. Many thought that the firing of Canada was a sign that Tomlin was "losing the locker room." Now, let's hope these changes lead to better results or else there may be a fire sale this upcoming offseason.

What are your thoughts on the comments from Robinson and Boykin? Are you confident that the firing of Canada will help wake up this offense the rest of the season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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