The Pittsburgh Steelers rank 26th in total yards with 308.3 per game.
However, their pass offense is 13th best in the NFL at 255.3 yards per contest.
Unfortunately, their running game problems from last season persist as they generate a league-worst 53 yards per match.
In 2020, the Steelers were also dead last at 84.4 rushing yards per bout.
These numbers lead to their 28th ranking in scoring at 16.7 per game.
IT'S OFFICIALLY GAME DAY 🙌 #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/I2K2dFzEAm
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 3, 2021
That’s a far cry from their 26-point average per game last season.
The regression of the Steelers’ statistics highlights glaring concerns on offense.
Despite their struggles, the Pittsburgh defense rose to the occasion in Week 1 by limiting the Buffalo Bills to 16 points.
But in the next two weeks, the offense generated a combined 27 points in losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals.
They can’t expect to win in Week 4 if their offense remains the same because Aaron Rodgers will pile up the points for the Green Bay Packers.
Here’s how the Steelers can remedy their struggling offense.
3. Speed Up The Game
Opposing defenses can predict their strategy if they work through the play clock.
It would be easier for them to lock their assignments and adjust to formation shifts.
But using a no-huddle offense will change the game’s complexion because it will keep the defense on their toes.
Defensive players may panic when the offense runs their next play immediately, leading to blown coverages that allow significant gains.
The Steelers are going to start the game in no huddle. Score an opening drive touchdown. And beat the Packers.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 30, 2021
Running on a faster tempo can also give them free yards, causing the defense to commit a “12 men on the field” penalty.
The Steelers had some success going no-huddle, and they can use it more often to catch the defense off guard.
They can also conduct a quick sugar huddle three yards away from the line of scrimmage and snap the ball quickly to give their offensive line a break while continuing the defense’s guessing game.
2. Bring Back The Power Run Game
The Steelers are playing an outside zone run game nowadays, which contradicts their identity as a power run team.
However, Najee Harris would be more comfortable in the power run game, a staple of Pittsburgh’s offense for decades.
Najee Harris with a good OLine is a top back in the game… look at him go with this group
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) September 26, 2021
As the tight end seals the outside defender, the backside guard pulls to be the lead blocker.
This scheme can boost the rookie running back’s 2.8 yards per carry.
Pittsburgh can add more play-action wrinkles to this formation to unlock more possibilities for their offense.
1. Fix The Offensive Line
Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement changed the dynamic of their offensive line.
Now, three rookies are starting for Pittsburgh, which creates trouble for Roethlisberger when executing plays.
As a result, the veteran quarterback has absorbed eight sacks in three games, tied for fifth-most this season.
The Steelers can employ immediate measures to upgrade the line and make it a more viable run-blocking unit.
The Steelers offensive line pic.twitter.com/ZKcNIJHert
— 360°Football (@360FFB) September 26, 2021
They can try and sign veteran free agents like Russell Okung to bring stability to the pocket.
Pittsburgh can activate a zone-blocking scheme that lessens the thinking process for young linemen.
They will pick up who’s in front of them instead of following their man on defense, primarily through stunts and delayed blitzes.
That approach would help their rookie linemen make the right decisions.
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