Steelers' Biggest Offensive Weaknesses Thoroughly Detailed By Kurt Warner Ahead Of Week 9 Battle With Colts

After an impressive 4-1 start for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has lost back-to-back games. The defense has been an obvious issue for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who watched that side of the football give up over 30 points and at least 450 total yards in his team's last two losses. Also, Pittsburgh's offense hasn't necessarily played elite football either. While four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers (104.4 passer rating) is doing all that he can for the team at 41 years of age, the offense has not been able to play consistently just yet.

Hall of Fame quarterback and current NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner recently spoke on The Rich Eisen Show about what is slowing the growth of the Steelers' offense. Below is what the former Super Bowl champion had to say.

"What ails them for me is playing on schedule and on time. Whether that's just looking at the weapons on the offense and looking to create some easy opportunities within structure and within their scheme," Warner explained. "I think Aaron continues to be a little uncomfortable in the pocket."

There have been some strong performances from Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's unit this season. It put up 34 points in a winning effort against the New York Jets back in Week 1. It also put up 31 points in a close loss on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago, and that was with Rodgers throwing a couple of interceptions. Then, there have been some middle-of-the-pack performances where Rodgers and co. have put up okay numbers. They scored 25 points in the loss at home to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday night, but only scored two touchdowns in the game. 

Against the Cleveland Browns three weeks ago, the group put up just 23 points, but won by two touchdowns. Every game has been different, which means the offense both has and hasn't been efficient.

Could The Steelers Be A Player Away On Offense?

While Warner cited the Steelers' inability to stay on schedule and Rodgers' uncomfortableness in the pocket as reasons for the offense's struggles, this is a group that has found production in obvious places. Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf is on pace to eclipse 1,100 receiving yards and record double-digit touchdowns. Starting running back Jaylen Warren is on pace for a career year on the ground, and you never know which tight end the ball is going to because all four can make magic happen, especially in the run game and in the red zone. But, perhaps the offense is missing one weapon out wide.

While the emergence of second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson over the last few weeks has been great, he isn't exactly the complement that the Steelers' offense is looking for alongside Metcalf in the eyes of many fans. With the trade deadline approaching in the next week, could the Steelers be interested in trading for another wide receiver? Through seven games, the Steelers rank 25th in total offense (297.1 yards per game), 19th in passing offense (202.9 yards per game), and are tied for 12th in scoring offense (25.0 points per game). These are the kind of statistics that show that the offense has potential, but just can't seem to get off the ground. 

With the 2-7 Miami Dolphins struggling to put together wins, could they be a potential trade partner for Pittsburgh? Speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is still just 26 years of age and in the prime of his career. A three-time 1,000-yard wide receiver, the former National Champion could take this Rodgers-led offense to a whole new level. Only time can tell if Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is willing to pull the trigger on a trade offer. 

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