Pittsburgh Steelers Face Quarterback Conundrum as Offense Struggles Despite Winning Record
ICARO Media Group
In a season filled with twists and turns, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a peculiar situation. Despite having a winning record of 6-4, their offense has been lackluster and unproductive. The spotlight has turned towards quarterback Kenny Pickett, whose performances have raised questions about his ability to lead the team.
The Steelers' recent game against the Cleveland Browns ended in a disappointing 13-10 loss, highlighting the recurring issues plaguing their offense. Apart from a couple of occasional big plays, the Steelers' offense has been largely ineffective. Pickett, their first-round draft pick in 2022, has struggled to generate crucial yards for the team, leaving much to be desired from their quarterback position.
Running back Najee Harris did not mince words when assessing the Steelers' performance this season. While acknowledging their favorable record, Harris questioned the sustainability of their approach, stating, "If we keep playing this type of football, how long is that s*** gonna last?"
Statistical analysis further sheds light on the Steelers' offensive struggles. Despite their winning record, the team has been outgained in every game this season. The Steelers rank 28th in yards per play (4.7), 27th in net yards per passing attempt (5.1), and 29th in percentage of drives ending in a score (27.8%). Their offensive performance, as measured by expected points added per play, ranks a disappointing 25th (-0.091) according to RBSDM.com.
While offensive coordinator Matt Canada has shouldered much of the blame for the team's lackluster performance, it is evident that Pickett's limitations pose a significant hindrance. Pickett has struggled with accuracy on routine throws, difficulty fitting the ball into tight windows, and a lack of high-end athleticism or arm strength. Consequently, he has been unable to create offense or positively influence the team's performance.
The Steelers possess talent at their skill positions, with wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens offering capable targets and running back Jaylen Warren providing a much-needed spark in the backfield. However, it is Pickett's inability to contribute effectively that has hindered the team's offensive progression.
As the Steelers continue to grapple with these issues, the organization faces a critical decision. Despite winning games with Pickett as their quarterback, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the team's management must confront the stark reality that a change is necessary to propel the offense forward.
With a 13-9 record under Pickett's leadership and 15-12 overall since his drafting, the Steelers must weigh the potential of moving on from a quarterback who has delivered victories. Pickett's sporadic moments of brilliance in the fourth quarter have not been enough to overshadow his largely passive role throughout games.
Moving forward, the Steelers must carefully assess their options. While there may be a desire to replace both offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Pickett, it must be recognized that the issues at hand extend beyond play-calling. The team's struggles would likely persist regardless of the offensive coordinator, emphasizing the urgent need for the Steelers to evaluate their future at the quarterback position, regardless of their postseason prospects.
The Steelers' playoff hopes may hang in the balance, but the overriding concern lies in finding a long-term solution to their offensive woes. The time for introspection has arrived, and the Steelers must make bold decisions to ensure sustained success in their quest for greatness.