Steelers' Offensive Core Receives Horrible Criticism In 2024 Playmaker Rankings: "[George] Pickens-Or-Bust"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have fans excited about the potential of the offense in 2024, mainly because of the new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. Matt Canada seemed to have ruined the unit over a two and a half year stretch, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the front office made the move to bring in an established play-caller who had a ton of success in 2019 and 2020 with the Tennessee Titans. Despite the addition, no one is sure what to expect from a revamped quarterback room, or receiving core that is still lacking a true number two option behind George Pickens.

One ESPN analyst is far from buying into the Steelers' new offensive structure. Bill Barnwell released his "playmaker rankings' on Wednesday morning. Each year, he puts together a list combining organizations' wide receiver, running back and tight end talent. He then puts a list of 32 together and Pittsburgh fans aren't going to be happy about where the Steelers landed on his list.

The team landed 27th with only the Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers being worse. He cited the decision to trade Diontae Johnson and an inconsistent Najee Harris as issues coming into the 2024 campaign.

"Its most efficient receiver was Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina. The Steelers' most consistent playmaker was backup running back, Jaylen Warren, who was forced to play behind disappointing first-round pick, Najee Harris," Barnwell wrote.

His wordage is certainly interesting by saying that Jaylen Warren was "forced" to play behind Harris. Harris averaged his career-best in yards per carry and also had a third season in a row with over 1,000 yards on the ground. The duo has an opportunity with a new offensive line to be one of, if not, the best one-two punch in the league in 2024.

Barnwell continued to take subtle shots at Steelers players. He brought up Pickens and mentioned that he is optimistic about his chances to play well moving forward, but questioned his route-running. It has been speculated that Pat Freiermuth could end up being the second option in the passing game, but Barnwell doesn't seem to enjoy that idea, either.

"Can [Pickens'] route-running command more than 10 targets in a game, something he failed to do in Year 2? With Roman Wilson and Van Jefferson as the primary wideouts behind him and Pat Freiermuth topping 50 yards in a game just once last season, it sure looks and feels like Pickens-or-bust for the Pittsburgh passing game."

There is absolutely reason to worry about which players will command targets through the aerial attack, but Freiermuth didn't get the opportunities he should have in the 2023 season and also dealt with injuries. He deserves a little more respect than getting called out for only getting over 50 yards once. He is expected to sign a contract extension before the beginning of the season and will be healthy and ready to step up in a big way.

Barnwell also noted that other teams with a formidable running back tandem moved onto the backup too late. It appears Pittsburgh will use Harris and Warren a lot in Smith's offense, but declining Harris' fifth-year option might tell everyone all they need to know. The Steelers are likely planning to move on from Harris and extend Warren, but for 2024, the two ball-carriers alone should land the Steelers at better than 27th on this list.

Steelers' Offense Won't Receive Respect Until Results Show Improvement

It's hard for anyone to have a good taste in their mouth after a terrible tenure from Canada. Smith should be able to turn things around, but the reality is, no one has seen Pittsburgh put out a formidable offense on the field in years. The best performances were arguably at the end of the 2023 campaign after Canada was fired and when Mason Rudolph took over.

Do you think the Steelers' playmaking group is in the bottom six in the NFL? Let us know in the comments below!

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