The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost all signs of life on offense ever since George Pickens first injured his hamstring. Pickens missed a three-game stretch that started in Pittsburgh's most recent victory over the Cleveland Browns. The offense was able to get the win over Cleveland without Pickens, but the Steelers haven't won a game since and Pittsburgh shows no promise as they prepare for the first round of the postseason. Some fans are looking for any positivity whatsoever, but as analysts across league critique Pittsburgh's downfall, most have no solution for the Steelers.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets in 2024.
After their 19-17 loss to Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night, the Steelers made history by becoming just the third time in NFL history to enter the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. Pittsburgh has become the first team to do so since 1999, turning the 2024 season into a total disaster. Just a month ago, the Steelers had Super Bowl aspirations. As they finish the season 10-7, a single playoff win seems like a long shot.
On Sunday morning, NFL Network's NFL GameDay Morning discussed Saturday night's AFC North battle, which took place in the Steel City. As the crew credited Burrow and the Bengals, Kurt Warner turned his attention to the Steelers. Rich Eisen asked Warner what Pittsburgh can or needs to do in order to get out of its offensive slump.
"Let's look at the team that's actually going to the playoffs, in the Pittsburgh Steelers," Warner said Sunday morning. "I'm not sure a whole lot can be fixed, you know? Russell Wilson, I don't think is the best drop-back passer. And so, when he's had his success, it's been more creating, throwing down the field, or just those one-on-one throws. And that's really where they've gotten away these last four weeks. They're not making those go-balls, fifty-fifty catches, which has been such a big part of their offense since Russell Wilson has gotten in there."
Pickens was targeted six times against Cincinnati, but finished the game with zero yards on one catch. Russell Wilson and Pickens had no connection all game, and it completely kept the offense from finding its rhythm. Wilson's top target was tight end Pat Freiermuth, who caught eight passes for 85 yards and a score.
Unfortunately, despite Freiermuth's strong performance, Wilson targeted the tight end on the final play of the game in an attempt to pick up a first down and enter field goal range. Freiermuth dropped the pass over the middle of the field and ended the game. Both of Wilson's best targets had crucial mistakes Saturday night.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Tight End Pat Freiermuth scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 regular season finale.
The Steelers just simply have nothing going for them on offense. The offensive line has been terrible as far as protecting its quarterback, nor has it done well enough with blocking for the rushing attack.
Pittsburgh finished the season finale with just 193 total yards of offense, one of its worst performances of the entire year. In the teams' previous duel, Wilson and the offense had over 500 yards of offense in their trip to Cincinnati. The Steelers couldn't have picked a worse time in the season to have an offensive meltdown.
Steelers' Future At Quarterback Position Now More Uncertain Than Ever
When the Steelers held a promising 10-3 record and were first in the AFC North, most were preparing for a big contract being sent to Wilson's way next offseason. With how poorly he and the rest of the Steelers have played over the course of the last month, Wilson's future has no promises.
The easiest way to secure his starting job with the Steelers is winning their first playoff game in the Wild Card round. Again, Pittsburgh's chances in the playoffs don't seem great with the way their offense has played.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline as snow pours down during a 2024 Thursday Night Football contest against the Browns in Cleveland, OH.
Many fans are hoping the Steelers re-sign Justin Fields to a new contract and give him a shot at the helm. Fields started the Steelers off to a 4-2 start, and it's not far-fetched to think they'd be in the same position or have the same record if they had never sat him for Wilson. What do you think? What needs to change with Pittsburgh's offense? Let us know in the comments below.
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