The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled on the offensive side of the ball for the last handful of seasons. The offense was even hard to watch during Ben Roethlisberger's final years, and it hasn't gotten any better since. Now, General Manager Omar Khan has set the offense up to have its best year since Roethlisberger was in his prime. A new offensive coordinator, and improvement along the offensive line and at quarterback has fans optimistic things will be different in 2024.
ESPN
Steelers' Omar Khan speaks to the media.
Despite the much improved roster on offense, there are still some questions in important areas. Outside of George Pickens, there doesn't seem to be any real plan at wide receiver. Pittsburgh has been enthralled in trade rumors, but ahead of training camp it doesn't seem like Pickens will have much help. Calvin Austin III is looking to breakout in 2024, and he recently went on the Ed Block CourageCast where he discussed how badly the Steelers need to improve on offense.
"I feel like a lot of times when we look at the Steelers, it's all about relying on our defense. And we have a top-notch defense, of course, but we gotta be the ones. We can't always be like, 'okay, the defense did this, the defense needs to, if they would've stopped them one more time', No, the offense, we need to be the ones that the team can count on that can score those points. For us, I know if we get that offense and defense together, then you can really start to be serious about making a run at things."
Pittsburgh's defense can always be relied upon when healthy, with players like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It's one of the most talented groups in the NFL, but the offense hasn't ever done them any favors. Pittsburgh's offense has struggled to stay on the field at times, which keeps the defense's breaks during a game brief. The Steelers also struggled to move the ball over the last two seasons, which puts the defense in a bad spot when it comes to field position.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Arthur Smith speaks to members of the media.
Pittsburgh's offense has been in a chokehold of sorts over the last three seasons with Matt Canada running things. Now, the organization brought in an experienced and well established coordinator in Arthur Smith, who is expected to elevate the unit. In 2023, the Steelers offense ranked near the bottom of the league in all major offensive categories aside from rushing.
Smith's run-heavy offense will be able to get the team in a rhythm, which will also elevate the passing game. Canada had no experience as a coordinator in the NFL prior to his time with the Steelers, while Smith's impressive play-calling got him a head coaching job after just two seasons.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will both be big factors for the Steelers in 2024 under Smith, and the revamped offensive line will pave the way. There is no reason Pittsburgh's offense shouldn't perform better than it did in 2023, and it should take a lot of the pressure off of the defensive side of the ball.
Sebastian Foltz / Post Gazette
Russell Wilson warms up with his team before OTA's.
Steelers Will See An Upgrade At Quarterback Regardless Of Who Starts
The Steelers are entering the 2024 season with Russell Wilson expected to start the whole season, but even if Justin Fields takes over, the position play will be better than it has been for the last two years. Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph all struggled at times for the Steelers, and Wilson and Fields bring new life to the position for Pittsburgh.
Wilson was heavily scrutinized during his time with the Denver Broncos, but he quietly had a really good season in 2023. The veteran threw for 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions on a much weaker roster. He is embarking on what will likely be his last chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and is expected to seize the opportunity.
What do you think about Austin's comments about the offense needing to improve? Let us know in the comments below!
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