Steelers Insider Claims Offense Faces Massive Disadvantages Playing Essentially 10-On-11

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a serious problem developing within their offense, and one insider believes the situation has reached an unacceptable level. Wide receiver Brandon Smith has struggled to establish himself as a legitimate receiving threat, despite continuing to receive opportunities on the field. The issue is no longer simply about a player failing to produce impressive statistics. According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh is essentially operating with one fewer offensive weapon whenever Smith is involved.

The Steelers have been searching for more consistency from their passing attack, making the lack of production from certain receivers increasingly difficult to overlook. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs dependable options who can create separation and give him opportunities to move the chains. Instead, Pittsburgh has found itself in situations where one of its receivers is playing significant snaps without even receiving a target. That raises questions about how effectively the coaching staff is utilizing its available personnel.

Kaboly recently addressed Smith's lack of involvement and delivered a particularly harsh assessment of his impact. The discussion came after Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Offensive Coordinator Brian Angelichio had expressed confidence in the receiver. However, Kaboly believes the reality of Smith's offensive role tells a much different story.

"No targets with 40 snaps. The QB isn't going to throw the ball to him," Kaboly said. "You're basically playing one man down. It's sort of like what Brandon Smith was. He's out there, but he doesn't really count at all."

That is an alarming assessment of a player who continues to receive meaningful opportunities. Kaboly is essentially arguing that Pittsburgh is allowing opposing defenses to operate without having to seriously account for one of its eligible receivers. While the Steelers technically have 11 players on the field, the insider believes Smith's lack of involvement creates a disadvantage that makes the offense easier to defend.

The concern becomes even more significant when considering how difficult it already is to sustain drives in the NFL. Defenses are constantly searching for ways to eliminate passing options and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. When a receiver fails to establish himself as a credible threat, opponents may have more freedom to concentrate on the players they believe are actually dangerous. That can make life considerably harder for Rodgers and the rest of Pittsburgh's offense.

Of course, a receiver can still contribute through blocking, route running, and assignments that do not result in targets. However, there is a difference between being a complementary player and becoming virtually invisible within the passing attack. Smith's lack of involvement raises a fair question about whether the Steelers are getting enough value from his offensive snaps. Kaboly clearly believes they are not.

What makes the situation particularly frustrating is that Pittsburgh's coaching staff has spoken positively about Smith. McCarthy and Angelichio have indicated that they see qualities worth developing, but those evaluations have not translated into a meaningful receiving role. At some point, the Steelers must decide whether continuing to give Smith opportunities is helping the offense or simply delaying a necessary adjustment.

Steelers Must Address Wide Receiver Woes Quickly

Pittsburgh cannot afford to have passengers within an offense that is already struggling to consistently finish drives. Every player does not need to become a featured weapon, but each offensive contributor should provide something that opposing defenses must respect. 

When a receiver plays approximately 40 snaps without receiving a single target, questions about his role are inevitable. The Steelers need to determine whether that lack of involvement is a product of the offensive system, Rodgers' decisions, or Smith's inability to consistently create opportunities.

The timing of Kaboly's criticism is especially noteworthy because General Manager Omar Khan has been linked to discussions about potentially adding another wide receiver. Pittsburgh has the opportunity to explore outside options before the trade deadline, and the need for another dependable target appears increasingly obvious. Bringing in a receiver who can contribute immediately could help the Steelers avoid relying on players who have not established themselves as consistent options.

Do you believe the Pittsburgh Steelers should reduce Brandon Smith's offensive snaps and pursue another wide receiver before the trade deadline? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and share your thoughts with Steeler Nation.

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