Steelers' Offensive Problems In Recent Years Did Not Begin With The Retirement Of Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't had much of a positive direction on offense since the retirement of legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Part of the reason for the unit's ineptitude stemmed from a brutal tenure from Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, but not much has gone right for the group in several years. The team tried to focus on the rushing attack in 2024, but the line did not live up to expectations due to injuries and youth. Things will have to be much better moving forward, but there are some other issues to potentially worry about, besides not being able to consistently put points on the board.

Something that has gotten lost in the last few seasons has been a leader on the offensive side of the ball. Dating back to the 2022 season, the Steelers have only had two offensive captains in a season once. Najee Harris and Mitch Trubisky were given the honors in 2022, but Trubisky was benched quickly and Harris was not elected to be a captain in 2023 or 2024.

Kenny Pickett had a below-average 2023 campaign as a captain, and Russell Wilson didn't play in the first six games of 2024 due to a calf injury. The consistency on offense when it comes to leadership simply has not been there for the team. The lack of Roethlisberger in the lineup has been clear, but what not a lot of individuals in the media have talked about is another figure that anchored the unit for 10 years.

Maurkice Pouncey was a nine-time Pro Bowler who should be in the Hall of Fame one day. He brought an attitude and leadership style that echoed throughout the locker room, and that's exactly what Mark Kaboly is referring to. Zach Frazier was fantastic during his rookie season, but someone on the offensive side of the ball needs to start pushing some guys around in the locker room to send a message.

It's extremely possible that the Steelers enter 2025 with none of their previous four offensive captains. Harris is likely to leave in free agency and hasn't had the role since 2022, and Wilson could certainly be on his way out, too. Trubisky and Pickett are elsewhere, leaving a large hole in the leadership department. No consistency in this area is recipe for disaster, especially after having a duo such as Roethlisberger and Pouncey.

If Pittsburgh truly does want to win in the trenches and set the tone upfront, there needs to be a clear-cut leader that is setting an example on and off the field. Kaboly pointing Pouncey's absence out is random, but extremely valid. Frazier is someone to look at moving forward, as there are high expectations for him to be in the Steel City for the next decade.

Much of the fan base will point towards the inconsistency at the quarterback position since Roethlisberger retired, but the offense has had a clear hole and trouble since Pouncey hung up his cleats after the 2020 season. With questions remaining at signal-caller, Frazier will need to be that constant voice that the offense looks to for leadership.

Steelers Must Focus On Stability In 2025

Staying healthy will be critical for Pittsburgh going forward, but leadership stability will also be essential. It's hard to build an offensive culture when the leader(s) of that unit change year-in and year-out. Many will look to Frazier moving forward, and rightfully so, but the combination of a dominant center and formidable quarterback could be exactly what the team needs to finally take the next step in a league that has emphasized offense in recent seasons.

Do you think Frazier will be a team captain and replicate Pouncey's leadership abilities? Let us know in the comments below!

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