Former NFL Coach Flames Steelers' Offensive Approach: "That's What Scares Me"

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently sit at the top of the AFC North as the franchise has a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens. The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are pretty much out of contention within the division as the two teams have had disastrous seasons thus far. The crown in the north will likely go to either the Ravens or the Steelers, and it is a bit hard to believe Pittsburgh can find a way to get that done. The Steelers have a much harder schedule throughout the rest of the season, and the two teams still have both of their matchups against each other left.

Most realistic fans in Pittsburgh can see that the organization isn't necessarily primed for a home playoff game in 2025, which would come by winning the division. Pittsburgh's best bet at a playoff berth is likely through the Wild Card, and that is due to the remaining schedule, as well as the overall strength of the team. 

Former NFL Head Coach Jay Gruden spoke about Pittsburgh on a recent episode of The Arena, where he questioned the offense.

"I still think there's too many holes on this offense," Gruden said. "DK [Metcalf] is not really scaring anybody. [Calvin] Austin is dropping balls. He's not very good. They do have the two tight ends. Jaylen Warren is a good player, but what scares you if you're playing against them defensively? 'Holy cow, we're playing the Steelers. We've gotta stop this.' What, duo? Maybe a play-action pass to DK? That's what scares me about Pittsburgh. If they get down, how are they gonna come back?"

Gruden is echoing the concern that many fans in Pittsburgh have had throughout the 2025 season. It is the reason people wanted to see a trade for a major playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. Pundits believe the Steelers do not have anything that will scare a defense. DK Metcalf has not been very good as of late, Aaron Rodgers has struggled, and for some reason, Roman Wilson still isn't involved more, despite the fact that he gets the most separation on the team by a wide margin.

The only two players that have provided some excitement for Pittsburgh on offense over the last several weeks have been Jaylen Warren and tight end Darnell Washington. Those two have made some big plays for the Steelers, but the offense needs that to happen on a more consistent basis. Pittsburgh has tough games coming up against the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and the Ravens. All of those teams can put up a lot of points, and the Steelers are going to need to find a way to hang with them on the scoreboard.

Pittsburgh currently needs to improve on offense to strike any fear into those defenses, and that could be an issue as the Steelers are going to have to find a way to win a good amount of games throughout the rest of the year in order to sneak into the playoffs.

Steelers Need Consistency Out Of The Defensive Side Of The Ball

While Pittsburgh's offense struggles to strike any sort of fear into opposing defenses, the Steelers' defense has been streaky. It is hard to tell which version of the unit the team is going to get on a week-to-week basis, but the group has played pretty well over the last several weeks. Pittsburgh is going to need that level of play to continue when going up against these high-powered offenses over the next month or so, and it should be the ultimate challenge for the defense. 

Pittsburgh is going to be playing some "scary" offenses, and that group for the Steelers likely won't be able to keep pace. It is going to come down to the defense, which hopefully has turned a corner.

What do you think about Gruden's comments? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!

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