It has been some time since the Pittsburgh Steelers had an offense that was looked at as a legitimate threat in the AFC. Despite signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal during the 2025 offseason, the unit still has not found its footing. It will likely take some time for all of the individuals in the locker room to gel together given all of the new faces, but what is important is buying into the system. So far, it has been a bit of a roller coaster, and it won't be getting any easier facing off against a difficult Minnesota Vikings defense in Week 4.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands on the field as the team works out in front of fans (8) during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The defense bailed the offense out in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, forcing five turnovers, including two that occurred in the red zone. If not for the splash plays, it could have absolutely been an ugly loss instead of a very close victory. It will take effective coaching, leadership in the huddle, and correct buy-in if Rodgers and co. want to get where they want to go in 2025.
DK Metcalf is a big piece to the puzzle after being traded for and signing a five-year contract. The Steelers officially have a legitimate top option in the passing game, and he has found the end zone twice in three games. He only has 135 receiving yards however, and when he was asked about Pittsburgh's identity on offense during a session with the media on Wednesday, he didn't really know what to say. Additionally, he hinted that he wants to get the ball more often.
"It's really not for me to say what the identity is," Metcalf stated. "But, I think it's heading in the right direction. Our run game is getting better. It's going to take all 11 of us on the field at one time if you want to see that continue to trickle in the right direction, but we just have to get our pass-catchers involved more, and that starts with us being ready with the details and everything."
The wide receiver is a dynamic threat due to his size and physical prowess, but a couple of his comments from Wednesday are a bit concerning. He couldn't go into detail about the identity of the offense, and then acknowledged that the ball needs to get in the hands of playmakers more often. It will be a situation to keep an eye on, but it somewhat came off as if Metcalf isn't very confident with the offense as October nears.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) alongside Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Fans were worried about the defense following a Week 1 win versus the New York Jets, but the 34 points scored ended up being a positive outcome for the offensive group. The play of Rodgers was phenomenal, but it hasn't been great in the two weeks since, which has led to some struggles. It will be hard to rely on a 41-year-old quarterback to put up big numbers each week, so Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has some work to do with his unit.
The Vikings' defense will be a tough test, and it doesn't make it any easier that the game is being played internationally on Sunday. Metcalf played in Germany back in 2022, and had an impressive six catches for 71 yards, so fans can expect that he will be up to the task on Sunday in Ireland. The offense finding its identity as a whole, however, may not come until further into the season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs a route (4) as the team goes through a play during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Can't Afford To Waste Time Finding An Offensive Identity
Pittsburgh's backend of its schedule is difficult for the second season in a row. While the defense is talented enough to figure out its current issues, the offense will remain a question mark because of recent years. The only way the organization will turn into a Super Bowl-caliber team is if players in the locker room aren't afraid to comment on the group's identity.
Do you find Metcalf's comments on the Steelers' offense interesting? Let us know in the comments below!
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