Former Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback, Kordell Stewart has never seen anything like this in his time watching or being a part of the organization. While he said the losing record with Pittsburgh sitting at 2-6 at the bye is not something Steeler Nation is used to seeing, it's understandable in a rebuilding year. What's not acceptable is the sense of privilege the team is projecting.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) rushes during a regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 30, 2022. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
“At some point in time, this level of entitlement has to cease in order to see this team do what we’ve been accustomed to seeing from them," Stewart told the PM Team w/ Poni and Mueller. "In a worst-case scenario, we’ve seen them compete. Right now, it doesn’t look like there is a true leader on the field that is leading by example or challenging the status quo of what’s been taking place. Everybody is trying but, what then happens once you’re hit in the mouth, you have to be able to endure all the mishaps.”
The Steelers have some star players in the locker room like Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick owning up to their mistakes. Stewart said he hasn't been a fan of the reactions of the guys as a whole.
“I have never seen the Steelers in this phase. I don’t mean just the losing but, it’s the reactions from the players afterwards," Slash said. "I know this is a new time and we want to make excuses because this is a new time and whatever, but it’s bull. I don’t believe in that stuff.”
One player the former Pro Bowl signal-caller pointed out is saying the right things is rookie, Kenny Pickett. After the hosts played the clip of Pickett calling out the offense for a lack of studying, Stewart said he likes it from him.
Kenny Pickett says Steelers offensive players aren’t studying enough. Damn. pic.twitter.com/QvyH32cLLF
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) October 30, 2022
“He’s the leader. He’s the starting quarterback and the future of this franchise. He has to put his mark on what it is he wants to be a part of. He’s putting the onus on the players. He’s not talking about the coaching staff and what they’re not able to do. He’s saying there are plays that are there because we don’t know what we are doing consistently enough, we’re seeing mistakes than progress.”
Stewart said the foundation of the good Steeler teams of the past has been the staple of a good run game. That game plan changed with Ben Roethlisberger and his ability to move around and make plays, and Le’Veon Bell who accounted for a big portion of the offense running the football and catching it out of the backfield.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) warms up at Acrisure Stadium in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Slash pointed to Najee Harris’ Bell-like qualities in his rookie year when he racked up the most touches of any running back in the league per Pro Football Reference. Through eight weeks, the sophomore back out of the University of Alabama is sitting in 12th in touches and 14th in receptions among running backs.
“It’s getting to the point where nothing is really working,” Stewart said about the Steelers offensive struggles. “It’s not because of what they can’t do. To me, it’s about finding ways to do what they know how to do best and build on that.”
Steelers Are Rebuilding
The former University of Colorado three-year starter didn't sugarcoat anything clarifying this team is in rebuild mode and without TJ Watt to mask some of the issues so far this season, it's going to take time.
“You have to deal with this ugliness of something we haven’t seen with the Steelers. In this case, this is truly the definition of having to rebuild.”
Stewart highlighted the rebuilding of the offensive line, especially when asked about comments made by his former head coach turned CBS analyst, Bill Cowher, about wrecking the rookie from the Univerity of Pittsburgh's confidence due to a lack of a running game.
“While there are some great pointers there, the one I will not agree with is hurting the quarterback's confidence. The thing to remember is this is not an experienced and seasoned offensive line. Are you going to run it with Najee Harris with the way he’s running it or any other back?”
It's evident Pittsburgh needs to find ways to at least look competitive and help Pickett develop as they enter unfamiliar territory. For Stewart, that means returning to the fundamentals and players taking more accountability.
So, Steeler Nation, do you agree with Stewart's assessment? Is this a rebuild for the Steelers? Is there a lack of leadership? As always, let us know what you're thinking either in the comment section below, or on our social media feeds.
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