The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to produce a consistently threatening offense since the retirement of legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This season, with veteran quarterback Rusell Wilson and seasoned NFL coach Arthur Smith calling plays, that was finally supposed to change.
Instead, the Steelers’ offense has looked predictable this season and has struggled running the ball with consistent success. On Tuesday, one Steelers insider put into perspective just how awful things have been in Pittsburgh as of late.
“Under Arthur Smith, I was confident the Steelers 1st down offense – miserable for years – would improve. It’s only gotten worse. Pittsburgh finished last in yards per 1st down, worse than the past 2 years under Matt Canada,” reported Alex Kozora on Twitter.
Under Arthur Smith, I was confident the Steelers 1st down offense – miserable for years – would improve.
It's only gotten worse. Pittsburgh finished last in yards per 1st down, worse than the past 2 years under Matt Canada. #Steelers https://t.co/ykhFztVyRQ pic.twitter.com/TaNgDWJAHW
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) January 7, 2025
Fans reacted on social media to the news that the Steelers were trending in the wrong direction since the dismissal of their much-maligned previous offensive coordinator.
“Don’t even look at YPP on 1st down outside of last 2min of the half and when down by more than 10 points. You’ll be sick,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“I think it’s tomlin. He’s clearly making the OC’s implement a run first/ heavy approach and emphasizing safety first instead of being aggressive. So predictable every year must be such a relief for DC to prepare for our offense smh,” one fan added.
“It doesn’t help that we announce to the league our game plan is RUN RUN RUN every week and then proceed to RUN RUN RUN every week,” another fan added.
“Didn’t surprise me a bit. They are the most predictable team on offense and defense in the league. Mike Tomlin sees very little value in confusing the opponent,” one fan added.
“I’ve said since about week 4. He is Matt Canada with some street cred (courtesy of Derek Henry) and a stache. His offense is not flashy, it is not high flying, and it is not high scoring. It is run heavy, it is boring, and it is predictable,” someone else wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Steelers have any wrinkles planned for Saturday’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.