Steelers' Running Back Takes Clear Shot At Coaching Staff After Loss To Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't get anything going during their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This extended the playoff losing streak to six, and the organization has had nothing but failure during the postseason since 2016. The offense was completely lifeless during the first half of the game, and the defense could not get the Ravens off of the field as the Steelers struggled to contain the rushing attack from Baltimore. Pittsburgh couldn't get anything going on the ground, as the offense finished the night with just 29 rushing yards.

Arthur Smith took over as the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason, and the expectation was that he would fix the running game. Smith has had tons of success running the football with the Tennessee Titans and even with the Atlanta Falcons. 

That has not been the case in Pittsburgh, as the offense has been absolutely stagnant at times. One of Pittsburgh's running backs, Cordarrelle Patterson, didn't play any offensive snaps in the playoff loss, and he joked about it on social media on Sunday.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren were the two primary running backs in Pittsburgh throughout the 2024 season, but Smith had some infatuation with Patterson. The two spent three seasons together in Atlanta, and it was clear Smith was trying to draw plays up for Patterson at certain points during the regular season. Smith forcing the ball to Patterson was heavily criticized throughout the year, as he was just wasn't as effective as the other two backs.

Patterson was signed as a free agent during the 2024 offseason. It was originally thought that he would just be used as a kickoff returner, but he was featured on offense throughout the year. On the season Patterson carried the football 32 times for 135 yards, while also catching 12 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also had one fumble.

It became clearly early on that Patterson was no where near as explosive as he used to be. He looked extremely slow on kickoff return throughout the year, and it was a bit surprising the team didn't replace him. He is signed through the 2025 season, but it is fairly obvious that he will be released as a cap casualty at some point during the 2025 offseason. There is essentially a zero percent chance he is on the roster in 2025, no matter how much Smith loves him.

Pittsburgh's offense couldn't get anything going on the ground against Baltimore, but Patterson would not have changed anything. If anything he would have made matters worse. His career is certainly coming to an end, but he may end up elsewhere in 2025 if he doesn't retire.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Is Still Garnering Head Coaching Interest

Smith was a head coach for three seasons in Atlanta, and he has made it clear that he wants to be a head coach again. The Falcons went 7-10 in three straight seasons under Smith, although he never really had a quarterback. He came to Pittsburgh to learn from Head Coach Mike Tomlin before becoming a head coach again. Multiple teams have requested to interview Smith for their head coaching vacancies, and the offensive coordinator is expected to interview. 

He hasn't announced how much of a desire he has to be a head coach again right away. He was thrust into a bad situation in Atlanta, so he should be more picky about where he ends up next.

What do you think of Patterson posting to social media after not playing? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation