The Steelers Offense: Will it Rise Again?
Introduction
After a brief rut, the Pittsburgh Steelers have managed to reload in recent years. However, there is one aspect of their game that has struggled in the past season – their offense. With a solid foundation of talent at their disposal, many fans are left wondering if the Steelers offense will be able to rise once again in the upcoming season.
The Struggles of the Past Season
Last season, the Steelers offense faced its fair share of challenges. While they certainly had talented players on the field, they struggled to consistently produce and put points on the board. Some attribute this to the lack of a consistent running game, while others point to the offensive line’s struggles in pass protection. Regardless of the root cause, it was clear that the offense was not performing at its full potential.
A Lack of Consistent Running Game
One major factor that hindered the Steelers offense was the absence of a reliable and consistent running game. Last season, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game. With a lack of production on the ground, the offense became predictable and one-dimensional, making it easier for opposing defenses to game plan against.
Struggles in Pass Protection
Another area of concern for the Steelers offense was the performance of their offensive line. The unit struggled in pass protection, allowing too much pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This resulted in sacks, fumbles, and interceptions, disrupting the flow and rhythm of the offense. Without proper time to throw, Roethlisberger was often forced into making rushed decisions, negatively impacting the team’s overall offensive production.
Offseason Adjustments
The Steelers recognized the need for improvements on the offensive side of the ball and took steps to address the issues during the offseason. They made several key moves to bolster their roster and provide a more solid foundation for their offense.
The Addition of Najee Harris
One of the most significant offseason moves for the Steelers was the selection of running back Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL Draft. Harris, a standout player from the University of Alabama, brings a skill set that the Steelers have been missing in recent years – a powerful and dynamic presence in the backfield. With his ability to both run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield, Harris has the potential to make an immediate impact and provide the Steelers with a much-needed boost in their running game.
Addressing the Offensive Line
To address the struggles in pass protection, the Steelers also made moves to bolster their offensive line. They acquired veteran offensive tackle Joe Haeg in free agency, as well as drafting center Kendrick Green in the third round. These additions, coupled with the development of younger players already on the roster, have the potential to stabilize the offensive line and provide better protection for Roethlisberger.
Key Players and Potential Breakout Stars
While the offseason additions are promising, the success of the Steelers offense will also rely heavily on the performance of their key players and the emergence of breakout stars. Let’s take a closer look at some of these individuals.
Ben Roethlisberger
At the helm of the Steelers offense is Ben Roethlisberger, the veteran quarterback who has been a mainstay for the team for nearly two decades. While there may be some uncertainty surrounding his future and ability to perform at a high level, Roethlisberger has proven time and again that he has what it takes to lead this offense. If he can stay healthy and regain his form from earlier in his career, he could be the catalyst for a rejuvenated Steelers offense.
Diontae Johnson
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is another player to watch on the Steelers offense. Despite dealing with some drops and inconsistency last season, Johnson showed flashes of greatness and has the potential to become a true playmaker. With another year of experience under his belt, Johnson could step up and become a reliable target for Roethlisberger, providing the offense with a much-needed boost.
Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool, a rookie standout from last season, burst onto the scene as a big-play threat for the Steelers offense. Standing at 6’4″ and possessing impressive speed, Claypool has the physical tools to be a dominant force on the field. If he can continue to develop and refine his skills, he has the potential to take his game to the next level and become a key contributor in the Steelers’ offense.
Summary
In summary, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has faced its fair share of struggles in the past season. However, with the addition of talented rookies like Najee Harris, the retooling of the offensive line, and the continued development of key players like Ben Roethlisberger, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool, there is a strong possibility that the Steelers offense will rise once again. If they can establish a more consistent running game, improve pass protection, and have their key players perform at a high level, the Steelers offense has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
