At 4-2 the Pittsburgh Steelers have to feel decent about where they are. Since week one, they’ve been atop the AFC North and one could easily argue they are a play away from being 5-1 or even 6-0. The highest paid defense in the NFL has for the most part been solid. They’re giving up just 14.3 points per game which should be more than enough to get you within victory’s grasp each week. While there are concerns on that side of the ball, they pale in comparison to what is happening on offense.
The Offensive Line
Dan Moore, the much maligned left tackle, is literally the last man standing from week one. Troy Fautanu is out for the season as is James Daniels. Broderick Jones is not 100% and is making mental errors at an alarming rate. Zach Frazier left yesterday’s game with an ankle injury and he was arguably the unit’s best player.
So what could you possibly take from this group other than the fact they are struggling? Go back and watch those big runs by Najee Harris yesterday. I’m not, nor would I ever suggest that he made those entirely on his own but seriously. See how many blocks are missed or aren’t even attempted because guys are in the wrong places.
As for the pass protection, that’s an entirely different conversation and I’ll continue it a bit in the next section.
The Quarterback
Despite what social media wants you to believe, no one knows whether Mike Tomlin was going to pull Justin Fields had that interception not been overturned by the roughing the passer call. Speculate all you’d like to but none of us know. Here’s what we’ve known since the day both guys showed up in Black and Gold.
- Justin Fields can make plays with his legs that Russell Wilson cannot.
- Russell Wilson can read coverage better and get the ball out quicker.
The problem is that both players have a tendency to hold the ball too long (which isn’t good behind a suspect offensive line) in some situations, both are known to take really bad sacks and both have been known to turn the ball over. So therefore, what does Mike Tomlin do?
Fields has made numerous plays through six games with his feet. Would Wilson have been able to replicate those? It’s doubtful. Fields has also missed a lot of open receivers. Would Wilson have hit those guys? I think it’s better than 50/50 that he would. So when all is said and done, the Steelers won’t know what they truly have until Wilson gets a shot and none of us have any clue as to when that will be.
The Running Backs
There’s not much to say here… Najee Harris is what he is. He’ll give you everything he’s got whether the holes are there, whether he’s missing the holes or whether he’s running into a wall. I’m still not sure that Jaylen Warren is 100% and Cordarrelle Patterson flashed some capability as a straight-forward runner against the Colts but is still hurt.
Steelers Offensive Ranks Through Six Games (Prior to MNF)
Overall 18th
Rushing 7th
Passing 26th
Scoring Offense 20th (20.1 ppg)
Third Down Conversion Percentage 19th (39.0%)
Number of Plays per Drive 9th (6.3)
The Receivers
George Pickens is what he is at this point. A ridiculously athletic guy who can make absurd catches look normal. He’s also immature and constantly needs some form of attention. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin III has been running free more often than not but rarely gets targeted. Van Jefferson is, well… average.
Pat Freiermuth was supposed to be ‘the guy’ this year in Arthur Smith’s system but he’s averaging about three receptions per game. Would it be different were Wilson at QB? Maybe…
Arthur Smith
The worst moment of Arthur Smith’s short tenure as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator came yesterday. His ill-fated trick play was doomed before the ball was even snapped. It should have never been called in the first place.
That aside, Smith is better than Matt Canada. We’ve already seen Smith do some things that Canada would have never dreamed of in terms of doing some things to utilize Fields but more needs to be seen. We have to see plays that are specifically designed to get George Pickens the ball or Pat Freiermuth the ball or even Calvin Austin III the ball. If Fields is going to continue his current paradigm of making a read or two then looking to run, then you have to find specific opportunities.
In all fairness to Smith however is that he’s working largely with one hand cuffed behind his back. His offensive line is a patchwork of rookies, second year guys and a veteran or two. He’s also trying to manufacture splash plays despite having one, true receiving threat and not much else that scares any defense in this league.
Smith is who he is. He was brought in to help Kenny Pickett and when that ship sailed on to Philly, changes should have been with Smith too. They weren’t and here we are. It’s a banged up offense with few skill players so the fact they are roughly in the middle of most offensive statistics is actually promising.
