The Pittsburgh Steelers are dead last in the NFL in points per game and have yet to eclipse the 21-point mark this season. There have been two different quarterbacks in the huddle as rookie Kenny Pickett replaced veteran, Mitch Trubisky at halftime during the team's Week 4 loss to the New York Jets. In a 16-10 loss on Sunday night to the Miami Dolphins, the unit had 341 total yards, but just one touchdown. It has surely been rough throughout the first seven games of the year, but head coach, Mike Tomlin believes that the group is finally starting to click, despite another piss poor performance in Miami.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates beside teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
While the excitement is high for the rookie first round pick, the offense still continues to sputter and produce three and outs throughout contests. The unit had another four such drives against the Dolphins and although they occasionally showed the ability to move the ball, there were many more negatives than positives. That didn't stop Tomlin from responding to a question about the offense's identity and if is is beginning to be developed.
"I feel like we are, but we didn't make the necessarily splash plays today to secure victory. But, I certainly feel like we are."
Coach Tomlin speaks to the media following tonight's game against the Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/YL5T33WsMN
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 24, 2022
The head coach was very quick and to the point in his postgame press conference, but it should definitely be asked at his weekly meeting with the media on Tuesday if he could elaborate on the so called identity that his offense is allegedly developing into according to him. He has a track record of only discussing the game itself, especially after a loss, in his postgame remarks, but it is clear to all at home that no positive reputation has been earned by the group and it needs to be discussed further.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at a practice during 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Fingers could and should be pointed at offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, who has quite frankly been awful in his year and a half with the team. It is hard to believe that quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan would do a worse job as the play caller and he also seems to have a better relationship with Pickett. After all, Canada spends games up in the press box which hasn't been the case for offensive coordinator's in Tomlin's tenure.
There were some flashes of potential progress against Miami on Sunday evening, but by no means has the offense developed any kind of true identity. The group looks lost and continues to lead the league in three and outs after the conclusion of each week. It is more than simply firing an offensive coordinator, although that may be a good place to start. The Steelers offense just isn't good and several steps need to be taken in order to improve the results on the field.
If the identity is simple check downs, unsuccessful jet sweeps and a lack of big plays, then Tomlin is spot on. Something should tell us, however, that he is just trying to give his rookie quarterback some confidence in front of the cameras.
Do you agree with Tomlin that his team's offense is getting close to finding its identity? Let us know in the comments below!
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