The Pittsburgh Steelers are fighting for a Wild Card spot and currently hold a 7-4 record through 11 games. Until last week versus Cincinnati, their offense had a dark outlook, providing little reason for optimism. It took 59 games in total to hit the 400-yard threshold, but here we are. No longer are the days when Pittsburgh had to be outgained to win, but can their recent offensive spark propel them beyond another likely winning season?
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers RB Najee Harris played a big role in helping the offense sustain drives and win the time of possession battle in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The question can only be truly answered by watching the remaining games on the schedule unfold, but at the very least, there are people who've expressed confidence in the possible reality. Former NFL player Chris Long appeared on The Rich Eisen Show on Monday and was asked his thoughts on the Steelers' 16-10 victory over the Bengals on Sunday:
"I thought that this was a big positive step in the right direction and actually makes them not just a oh, they're a footnote. They can win a playoff game if they play like that offensively."
Despite only scoring 16 points, Pittsburgh's performance on offense was a night-and-day difference ever since former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada was fired after a historically bad tenure at the helm. Better yet, the Steelers rushed for over 100 yards again, and Kenny Pickett threw for 278 yards passing on the day. Pat Freiermuth, activated off injured reserve in Week 11, had 120 receiving yards off 9 catches.
What was also noticeable was the amount of passing attempts that were thrown down the middle of the field. This part of their game plan was severely underutilized, and it's easy to see why things ran smoother for four quarters on that side of the ball. All things aside, it was an encouraging turnaround and a step in the right direction.
Still, though, George Pickens and Diontae Johnson must stand to benefit more moving forward as neither topped 50 yards this past week. For as much as Pittsburgh's offense showed improvement, it can only stretch so far if its best players and difference makers out wide aren't being fed with consistent targets.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Although they are filled with a lot of talent, Steelers wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson have faced their fair share of criticism in 2023.
Can The Steelers Improve Enough To Win In The Playoffs?
The upcoming slate of games gives Pittsburgh a marquee opportunity to further position themselves for a possible playoff run before its toughest games come into play (Seattle Seahawks - Week 17, Baltimore Ravens - Week 18). Weeks 13-16 are contests against lesser quality opponents by the record, but still tough nonetheless (Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals). Beating the bad teams is always a must, no matter the end score. Perhaps it won't yet indicate if they're really a contender, but a handful of games for an offense in dire need of increased production and chemistry is ideal.
As of right now, Pittsburgh ranks as the 28th highest scoring offense, averaging 16.5 points per game. If you're going to start putting together 300-400 yard games, then scoring more points as a result will be the difference maker the rest of the way. When compared to AFC teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills all averaging no less than 23.1 points per game, you cannot and will not win on high yardage performances alone. Playoff wins are ultimately determined by scoring efficiency and red zone conversion rates. The Steelers don't have what it takes at the moment, but if they continue to progress at the rate they just did like on Sunday, anything is possible.
If there has been a sign of things to come, it'd have to be the Steelers rushing attack. In just the past four games alone, they've rushed for a combined 696 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. With the recent full-time promotion of Broderick Jones into the lineup, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have reinvented the Pittsburgh run game for the better. A two-headed monster in the backfield, they could be the difference maker when the weather gets below freezing and elements start to turn white as snow. Want to control the outcome and momentum of a playoff game on the line? Emphasize a superior run game.
USATSI
Steelers' Kenny Pickett and QB coach Mike Sullivan.
Despite a great duo of running backs and offensive line run blocking, Pickett will be the greatest question mark and most defining storyline if they do clinch a postseason berth. The team will only go so far in the playoffs based on how much he progresses. Reverting to checkdowns, missing wide open receivers down field, and running into pressure will need to become less of a red flag.
He's only thrown for six touchdowns this year and has yet to hit the 300 yards passing threshold. Despite Pickett's low turnover rate, this is not a sustainable form of quarterbacking if Mike Tomlin truly believes he's the guy long-term. The best teams in both conferences do not even remotely play this style of football, and it comes to show as to why you rarely, if at all get very far down the line with it. If Pittsburgh expects to contend, you're going to need to let your second-year starter under center loose and start taking many shots. Allowing him to play to win and not play to lose will make or break Pickett's development.
Do you think the Steelers offense is capable of winning at least one playoff game in January? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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