Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Points Finger At Receivers For Big Problem

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a crucial inner-conference game on Sunday as the team fell to the Los Angeles Chargers during a road contest. Pittsburgh's defense had been plaguing the team throughout the year, but that side of the ball actually held their own in the primetime matchup. It was the offense that really held Pittsburgh back as the group only had three points on the board for most of the game. The group couldn't find the end zone until the fourth quarter was coming to a close with the game already out of reach.

Aaron Rodgers played his worst game of the 2025 campaign on Sunday night as he missed several big throws and turned the ball over twice. One of the interceptions wasn't really his fault as the ball bounced off of Calvin Austin III's hands, but the quarterback also allowed himself to get sacked in the end zone for a safety. It was a sloppy game, but Rodgers is not entirely to blame as tight end Pat Freiermuth acknowledged that the group of pass-catchers needs to do a better job for their quarterback. He said this after the loss while speaking with the media when he was asked what needs to improve on offense.

"Just being able to get open, that's probably the biggest thing," Freiermuth said. "We know what they're gonna do and we've just got to be able to execute better. That's the biggest thing. We have to look at ourselves going forward as being able to execute and get open for Aaron, to be able to put the ball where it needs to be and get open on time."

Freiermuth is speaking on himself and the rest of the guys that lineup wide to catch passes from Rodgers. Mainly him, Jonnu Smith, DK Metcalf, Austin, and Roman Wilson. It is crucial for these players to be able to get separation so Rodgers can deliver them the football, especially with the veteran quarterback playing behind an inconsistent offensive line.

Pass-catchers gaining significant separation has been an issue for the Steelers throughout the season. The best receiver when it comes to gaining separation has been Wilson, but he sees limited opportunities as the second-year player is still earning the trust of Rodgers and the coaching staff. Austin made a costly mistake on Sunday night as he gifted the defense an interception from Rodgers, so Wilson taking some of his snaps moving forward might not be a bad thing for the offense.

Pittsburgh's offensive line also had a rough night on Sunday. The group allowed consistent pressure on Rodgers and he was sacked multiple times. This forced the four-time MVP to get the ball out quick, which gives his weapons less time to get open down the field. If that can improve, it could fix the offense's air attack.

Steelers Had A Chance To Fix Offensive Issues

Pittsburgh's separation issues could have possibly been fixed at the trade deadline had the Steelers been able to acquire another top wide receiver. Metcalf is seeing consistent double teams, and another capable wide receiver would attract some of that defensive attention that is being placed on Metcalf. 

General Manager Omar Khan was calling around the NFL looking for help at wide receiver, and he was close to landing players like Rashid Shaheed. The Steelers were close to landing Jaylen Waddle as well, but the Miami Dolphins pulled out last minute as the franchise is currently being led by an interim general manager. The Steelers did not wind up making any additions via trade at the position, and the offense might've paid the price on Sunday night.

What do you think about Freiermuth's comments on the offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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