While it hasn't exactly been a super strong start for the Pittsburgh Steelers at 4-3, this team is still in first place in the AFC North. Hoping to get back on track after back-to-back losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, this team is going to have to ride the offense, seeing as its 30th-ranked defense can't exactly stop a nosebleed at the moment. Four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers (16 touchdowns) is trying to put the team on his back, but at 41 years of age, he is going to need more help. That is why the emergence of second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson over the past couple of weeks has been great to see, whether you are a member of the franchise or the fan base.
John Locher / AP photo
Roman Wilson and the Steelers prepare for a road game.
The former Michigan man is starting to come into his own at the NFL level, finally. For the first time in his career, he has caught at least one pass in three consecutive games. Against the Bengals two weeks ago, he had his first career multi-catch game. This last week, the former National Champion broke out in a big way, catching four passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith spoke to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday about Wilson's encouraging performances in recent games.
"It shouldn't be a shock to anyone," Smith explained. "You've got a guy with the right mindset and he works hard, there's usually a direct correlation."
The emergence of Wilson could potentially add another layer to this Steelers offense. Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf is a focal point through the air for Rodgers and Smith. The former Seahawk is on pace to eclipse 1,100 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns. However, with the athleticism of Metcalf and the diversity of ability in the tight end room, the Steelers might just need one more emerging pass-catcher to take the offense to a whole new level. That emerging pass-catcher could be none other than Wilson.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Roman Wilson.
The Steelers' Offense is Still Molding Itself
While fans have seen flashes from the offense, especially against the Bengals, this group is still looking to hit its true potential at a more consistent rate. Rodgers has guided the offense to multiple 30-point performances, which is something that this team is going to need to see a lot more of. This is the case because the Pittsburgh defense is allowing 386.0 yards per game this year (30th in the NFL). If that side of the football doesn't show any signs of improvement, it is all going to be on the aging Rodgers, which is not the best recipe for success. At least, it likely won't yield this team a Super Bowl-winning result.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers throws to DK Metcalf during a win over the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
The emerging players are going to be key for the Steelers' offense as the season moves along. Roman Wilson is starting to fit the bill for that. However, on the upcoming schedule for the Steelers lies the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts, as well as the 5-3 Los Angeles Chargers. To break away from this two-game skid, the Steelers, particularly on offense, need to prepare to score a touchdown on every drive that they get in the coming weeks. As good as veteran kicker Chris Boswell has been once again, field goals are not going to win games in the NFL, especially if you have a horrendous defense. While the Steelers put up 25 points on Sunday night against Green Bay, they scored just two touchdowns. Nobody knows this better than Rodgers and the offense themselves, but fewer field goals and more touchdowns will go a long way towards winning games.
As the Steelers' season hits the midway point, it will be interesting to see if rising players, such as Wilson, can propel the team into a better position both on the field and in the standings because of his quality play.
#SteelerNation
