Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Questions Team's "End Goal" On Offense Ahead Of Promising Week 13 Matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been underwhelming on offense for most of the 2023 NFL season. Sunday's game versus the Cincinnati Bengals marked the start of an improbable turnaround. Many were pleased with the result, including the long-time Steelers franchise quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. It was their first 400-yard game since losing to the Cleveland Browns in the 2021 Wild Card game. Pittsburgh remains far from an offensive juggernaut, only scoring 16 points to show for so many yards, and Roethlisberger had words to say regarding their most recent offensive performance.

"Yeah, that's a big deal. But is that our end goal? Is 400 yards our goal? No, it's not our goal. Our goal is to win the game. Because we scored 16 points still. That's not good enough." 

The former signal-caller, like many, doesn't appreciate or like the fact they only are averaging 16.5 points per game, the 5th worst in the entire league. Looking around the rest of the AFC, the Steelers likely will have to square off against high-powered offenses such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and/or the Baltimore Ravens. At worst, they all average no less than 23.1 points per game. It's reasonable to expect increased yardage from here on out, but it doesn't mean anything if Pittsburgh cannot capitalize more scoring off of it.  

How can you expect to win playoff games when your starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, has yet to throw for 300 yards in a single game and has only thrown for six (yes, you read that right) touchdowns this year? Game managing only gets you so far in the modern game of football, and for Head Coach Mike Tomlin to think he can keep winning in such a manner is ensuring an early playoff exit, if even an appearance at that. It's not just passing yards that count, but passing touchdowns that do too. 

The last game Pickett threw for a touchdown was on November 2nd versus the Tennessee Titans, and he hasn't thrown for one since. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson meanwhile have a combined four receiving touchdowns and 1,047 yards all together (roughly 50% of Pickett's passing yards). It's hard to understand why neither are targeted more than they are, particularly when they are wide open running their routes It's a shame because Pittsburgh boasts two very legitimate wide receiver talents that aren't utilized enough in an offense lacking explosive plays. If they don't get them more involved in the game plan, their luck may have already run dry by the time mid-January rolls around. 

What Else Should The Steelers Emphasize Offensively?

If it weren't already obvious by now, Pat Freiermuth figures to be a prominent target for the Steelers moving forward. Once they started to work the middle of the field more, his presence opened up the aerial attack significantly. Freiermuth was originally on injured reserve, missing four games before Week 11 due to injury, but his return comes at a great time that no longer involves Matt Canada. He could be Pickett's security blanket in tight windows and situations. 

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will assume greater roles as Pittsburgh looks to win down the stretch with its stronger offensive line as of late. Both backs average four or more rushing yards per carry and 500 or more yards total, respectively. They'll be relied on heavily, and their continued dominance at the line of scrimmage will help pave a clearer path for success against better opponents. Harris and Warren have totaled almost 700 yards in their last four games alone. If winning decisive games is determined by pounding the rock, then the Steelers are a formidable squad and tougher out. Week 13 against the struggling Arizona Cardinals on Sunday should be the perfect test.

What do you think about the Steelers offense right now and Roethlisberger's remarks? Click to comment below!

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