To say that there was a lot of excitement Sunday around the Pittsburgh Steelers giving Kenny Pickett his first NFL start would be an understatement. Ever since being drafted in the first round this past April, a fan base that was on edge as the Ben Roethlisberger era had come to an end, was looking for a spark after the team's 1-3 start to the season. Very few expected the 14-point underdog Steelers to head up to Orchard Park and defeat the Buffalo Bills, but were looking for something more compelling from the offense, one that has yet to see a TD pass thrown to any member of its wide receiving corp.
Fans will have to wait at least one more week on that front.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park on Oct. 9, 2022. | Steelers.com
In what can only be described as yet another week of questionable play-calling, the Steelers offensive struggles continued in a 38-3 loss to the AFC East juggernaut. There are many things wrong with this team, from player performance (or a lack thereof), to key starters missing and other items of note. It's become clear that some Steelers are getting tired of the lack of effort from teammates also.
Despite those issues, it's the baffling, dare I say, incompetent play selection from Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada that continues to lock this offense up and burst into flames like a '79 Ford Pinto.
Steelers Pass On Pickett Throwing In 1st Half
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
It took just over 60 seconds for the Bills to take an early 7-0 lead when Josh Allen went deep down the middle to find Gabe Davis behind two Steelers defenders and 98-yards later, Buffalo was off and running.
To make matters worse on the ensuing kickoff, James Pierre mishandled the football, resulting in a turnover and setting the Bills back up on offense deep in Steelers territory. The defense came up with a big stop, forcing a field goal that was blocked.
Enter the rookie Pickett, who quickly showed off why the Steelers took him at #20. He opened with a safe dump off to Derek Watt for minimal gain. After a Najee Harris run for a loss of 2 yards, Pickett threw an out to the near sideline that George Pickens took in for a first down. He would add completions of 8 and 13 yards, taking the ball down the Bills 13.
Que the questionable play-calling.
In what can only be described as predictable, Canada decided that instead of allowing your rookie QB to keep throwing the ball successfully, the best course of action was to give Harris two carries in a row. One that went for 3 yards and a second straight that went for -1, setting up a 3rd and long.
Sometimes, it's all too predictable.
Needless to say, Pickett could not convert on the 3rd and long, yielding to a Chris Boswell field goal and a 7-3 score.
It was the closest the Steelers would get all game to the end-zone.
Steelers Lackluster Play-Calling Dooms Team's Play
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett warms up while preparing to face the Buffalo Bills Sunday in Orchard Park, NY. Photo Credit - Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Buffalo would make it 10-3 on it's next possession. With such a good start out of the gate by Pickett, connecting on several downfield passes, you would think that would be the game plan on drive number two.
It wasn't.
Nor was it on drive numbers three and four.
If you haven't noticed (you have), Najee Harris is struggling. Like bad. Like real bad. His 3.48 avg. per carry coming into Sunday was a bit alarming. You may have thought the coaching staff would have noticed. Maybe also taken into account the Bills run defense is one of the best in the league, that the Bills rank #2 overall in team defense. Anybody...anyone...Bueller?
Nope.
What was Matt Canada's strategy over the next three times his offense got that pig? Run Harris on both 1st AND 2nd down on two of the next three possessions. On the first of those three drives, Harris carried the ball on 1st down for 3-yards. The Steelers did throw on the next possession for a first down, but got called for holding, making it 2nd and 17. Two passes did not get the yards needed to keep the ball.
A 69-yard punt from Pressley Harvin came at a perfect time, pinning the Bills at their 1. But just like on their opening possession, they moved the ball with ease until Levi Wallace picked off Allen at the Steelers 20 to end the drive.
The next two drives for the Steelers went as such. Harris for 6 and 0 yards rushing and a 2-yard catch on 3rd and 4. Punt. Bills TD drive that took 1 play of 68 yards. Then the Steelers ran Harris for 1-yard and 1-yard, setting up 3rd and long which they didn't convert. Punt to Buffalo. Cue the 2-play, 53-yard touchdown drive and a 24-3 lead.
I won't even get into the following drive where the Steelers got down to the Bills 15-yard line and decided to kick a field goal on 4th and 5 instead of going for it. We all know how it ended.
Tomlin's Timeline On Fixing What's Wrong With Steelers Offensive Struggles
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin on the sideline of Sunday's 38-3 loss at Buffalo. Photo Credit - Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh Steelers
In the aftermath of his worst defeat as a head coach, Mike Tomlin made it clear changes were coming and fast. I'd be surprised if Canada has a job by the end of me writing this article. He shouldn't after that abysmal effort on Sunday.
So tell me Steeler fans, what changes will Tomlin make this week as the team prepares for the arrival of the GOAT? Sound off below!
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