It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers offense needs to find ways to keep up with a ton of offensive firepower in the AFC. The unit was less than impressive the last couple years in terms of scoring and dynamic, game-changing plays. Matt Canada’s group will look much different in 2022 with two new offensive linemen and receivers. More notably, the Steelers offense will have a new face at quarterback in either Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett.
There are many things the offense can do in 2022 to show new looks and a revamped offense. It starts with a lost art:
1.) Use The Fullback
Whether it is Derek Watt or Connor Heyward, a guy leading the way for the second year stud running back, Najee Harris, could make a huge difference. Harris has big play potential and the Steelers have completely ignored the fullback position, even after signing Watt. With what fans hope to be an improved offensive line, proper use of a fullback could open up holes for Harris that he didn’t have during his rookie season.
The offense has two capable fullbacks in Watt and Heyward; what is the harm in seeing how either affects the offense? Ben Roethlisberger is now retired and Steelers fans should hope to see a new and unfamiliar offense. A middle man between the quarterback and Harris has the potential to be a huge boost.
2.) Aggressive Play-Action
The Steelers have not had a dangerous deep ball the last three years, nor have they possessed a dominant rushing attack. The opportunity to turn that around could be this season with a more mobile quarterback and revamped offensive line. Fans should be okay with aggressive play-calling. It seems like the only time Roethlisberger threw the ball deep the last few seasons was on 3rd or 4th and short.
If the offense is able to establish a strong running game, Canada needs to completely open up the playbook and use the speed and athleticism that his receivers have. Taking an advantage of the young arms he has in the quarterback room will be crucial. Utilizing Chase Claypool will be one of the key components of what one can hope will be a new, aggressive offense.
According to Sharp Football Analysis, an explosive play is defined as any pass that goes for 20+ yards or a rush that is 10 or more yards. The Steelers were 30th in the NFL last season in the category. Big plays are a testament to dangerous offenses. Mike Tomlin’s team needs many more of them.
3.) Less Screen Passes
The outside screen passes to wide receivers have been less than effective for the Steelers offense the last few years. The scary part has been the predictability of such plays based on the look the offense shows. While it has shown sparks of big gains, the numbers do not favor the offense. The continuous, and noticeably forced game plan has not worked. It is time to move on from that offensive ideology.
Creativity is pivotal to changing the reputation the offense has gotten itself the last few seasons. While I am not opposed to throwing the ball to Diontae Johnson in space, the idea of throwing the ball on the line of scrimmage once every three downs is not compatible with the Steelers offense. While the unit has had multiple flaws in recent memory, the screen passes have been not only a failure, but a predictable form of a less than impressive offense.
What do you think the Steelers offense needs to do differently this year in order to be more dynamic? Let us know in the comments below!
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