Steelers' Passing Game Is Seriously Starting To Raise Red Flags Ahead Of NFL Trade Deadline: "Should Have Been Caught"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' pass-catching group had another disappointing game in Week 7, but that did not stop the team from escaping Paris with a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. The offense was led by the potent rushing attack of running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh also used its jumbo package 13 times during this contest, which could have been a result of injuries in the wide receiver room. Whatever the case may be, it seems like the trend of a heavy run game will continue if the team can consistently lean on it. 

Pittsburgh's wide receiver room is currently thin, as starting wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are both on injured reserve. The team does not have much depth behind them, as DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard continue to handle most of the snaps at wide receiver. Wide receiver Brandon Smith recorded the first two catches of his NFL career in Week 7, one of which came on a crucial third-down play. While the pass-catching group did not significantly hurt the team, it did little to secure the win. 

Star wide receiver DK Metcalf recorded only two receptions, but one resulted in a huge play that put Pittsburgh in scoring position. Metcalf continues to struggle to make a consistent impact and has also dealt with dropped passes. Tight end Pat Freiermuth still does not look fully healthy, as he dropped a pass that would have resulted in a big play for the offense -- a type of play he has routinely made throughout his career. With the lack of depth in the wide receiver room, Pittsburgh relied heavily on its running back duo. While that approach worked out well, it might not be the recipe for success as the season continues.

During a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack Live, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly spoke about Freiermuth's drop as well as the quiet performance by Metcalf.

"What about sure-handed Pat Freiermuth dropping that pass?" Kaboly said. "That was a touchdown and should have been caught. Same with Metcalf. He only had two catches on six targets."

It was a forgettable day for the Steelers' pass-catchers, aside from Metcalf's long reception. Dowdle led the team with six receptions, a trend that cannot continue as the season progresses. Pittsburgh will not always be able to control the clock and rely on the rushing attack, as the team has already shown multiple times this season. Freiermuth, Metcalf, and the rest of the active pass-catchers will need to step up and consistently make themselves available to quarterback Aaron Rodgers if Pittsburgh wants to continue its winning streak.

Bernard, who also had a quiet game in Week 7, has shown plenty of flashes during the Steelers' previous two games. He has seemingly gained Rodgers' trust and should be a focal point in the passing game for the rest of the season. 

Pittsburgh still has some talented players on offense, but whether they can step up in the absence of Pittman Jr. and Wilson remains the question. Rodgers has played well at age 42, but he can only go as far as his receivers take him. 

Steelers Are A Top Contender For A Wide Receiver Move Before The Trade Deadline

There have been few updates regarding the status of Pittman Jr. and Wilson, which could lead Pittsburgh to trade for or sign a big-name wide receiver before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The organization has been at the center of recent rumors involving wide receivers who may be on the move before the deadline. With the Steelers currently tied for the AFC North lead and many of the team's best players nearing the end of their careers, General Manager Omar Khan could look to add talent to give Pittsburgh its best chance at postseason success. It will be interesting to see what direction the team decides to go in as Pittsburgh continues to fight for wins. 

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