There are just a few short months left before we have meaningful NFL football games airing on television week in and week out again. The Pittsburgh Steelers are not expected by many to be a powerful force and for good reason. Head coach, Mike Tomlin's team had some key losses this off-season including the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The 9-7-1 season a year ago saw crazy scenarios happen in Week 18 in order for the team to slip into the playoffs.
Heading into the 2022 season, here are three undeniable flaws the Steelers need to improve on:
1.) Steelers Rushing Defense
Many would expect the offensive line to be at the top of the list, but the additions of Mason Cole and James Daniels leave room for a little more optimism for that group. The rushing defense won't have Stephon Tuitt as originally thought, but reinforcements are on the way with the return of Tyson Alualu after a season ending ankle injury in 2021, the signing of Larry Ogunjobi and third round draft selection, DeMarvin Leal.
KARL ROSER / STEELERS
The changes in personnel, however, don't change the fact that the defense allowed 146.1 yards per game on the ground in 2021. That number was the worst in the NFL. Being cautiously optimistic about this group might not even be a good approach because bouncing back after glaring holes were exposed on the defensive front throughout the 2021 season. This area of the game could really hold back the Steelers from exceeding expectations.
2.) Steelers Rushing Offense
People see that Najee Harris ran for 1,200 yards and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and may be inclined to believe the rushing attack was a strong suit for the team last season. The more important rushing statistic isn't yards, but yards per carry. The Steelers averaged 3.8 yards per rush which was 28th in the entire league. It will be crucial for an offense with a new quarterback at the helm to open up the play-action and spread the offense from sideline to sideline.
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An improved offensive line with Cole and Daniels will hopefully lead to a more consistent and established rushing game, but the key will be to not give up on it when it is not going as planned. Asking any of the quarterbacks on the roster to throw over 40 times a game consistently is not a recipe for success. Harris has the ability to be a star, but this expected flaw in the offense, especially the yards per attempt, needs to be much better.
3.) Steelers Yards Per Play And Matt Canada
The offense wasn't just 28th in yards per rush, but yards per play as well. An aging Roethlisberger had a tough time pushing the ball down field and Matt Canada's offense did not exactly have an aggressive component to it. Was that because Roethlisberger was limited in what he could do? Or Canada simply does not have what it takes to be an offensive coordinator in the NFL? We will have that answer in a few short months, but averaging 4.8 yards isn't exactly something to write home about.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada looks on at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A more mobile quarterback is certain to help the cause, but it all starts with the play-calling. The yards per play is the number we see to evaluate the offense, but Canada and his decision making could be considered the root of all struggles because of his conservative and rather weak play-calling. Canada has the potential to seriously hold the Steelers back in 2022.
What do you consider as the Steelers biggest flaws heading into the new season? Let us know in the comments below!
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