We spent a lot of time this offseason lauding the accomplishments of Omar Khan. Not a negative word could be found about the offseason moves by this franchise. Now that’s the dust has settled however, the offense does not look very much improved at all. In fact, you can make the argument this could be worse than 2023. Let’s break it down position by position to see how this year’s offense stacks up to last season:
OC: ⬆️
Let’s face it, pretty much any name would have been an upgrade over the Matt Canada era for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I have made the point several times on the Steelers Sanctuary Podcast that Arthur Smith is the best candidate for what Mike Tomlin wants to accomplish on offense. Is that good enough to win playoff games? We’re not so sure about that. Regardless, having a competent OC can only help this offense going forward, https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981237/15602715-epsiode-23-steelers-anemic-offense
Quarterback: ⬆️….maybe?
On the surface, pretty much anything would be an improvement over the Kenny Pickett experience. Omar Khan brought in not one, but two potential replacements for 2024. Either Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields can be considered an upgrade in theory. In Russell Wilson’s case, we wonder if his best years are behind him. His mobility isn’t what it used to be, and he holds the ball far too long. In Justin Fields, turnovers are the big issue. Sure he is more talented, but if he turns the ball over at a far greater rate than Pickett then that’s not an upgrade at all. Factor in the Steelers problems at pass protection, and there’s a very real possibility this could become a real problem. We’re calling this an upgrade, with fingers crossed.
Running Back: Push
It’s exactly the same group as last year, so we expect the same results. This is by far the strength of the offense. Barring injuries, this should be a repeat of last season.
Wide Receiver: ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
This is a downgrade, and a big one at that. Trading away the best route runner on the team, and not replacing him whatsoever is Omar Khan’s biggest mistake as general manager. It has now left the team desperate, and vulnerable to overpaying for a legitimate wide reciever to pair with George Pickens. The lot of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller does not at all compare to what they had in Diontae Johnson. With the hopes of landing Brandon Aiyuk all but gone, this promises to be one of the worst receiver groups of the Mike Tomlin era. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/report-brandon-aiyuk-contract-progress/1772736/
Tight End: Push
Same as running back, the tight end situation is the same as last season.
Tackle: ⬇️
A lot of what people based a significant improvement in the 2024 Steelers offense was the improvement at both tackles. The frustration continues as to why Mike Tomlin insists in keeping Dan Moore the starting left tackle on this team. The Steelers seem well on their way to ruining the career of Broderick Jones by playing him out of position. He appears completely lost at right tackle, and his confidence looks shot. Now an elbow injury further complicates matters. First round pick Troy Fautanu may be forced into starting duties because of this injury. Problem there is Fautanu has missed several weeks due to his own injury. There is no way this right tackle situation is an upgrade over the 2023 version with Chuks Okorafor.
Center: ⬆️
There’s nowhere to go but up at center in 2024, that’s how bad Mason Cole was last season. After a very good showing in his first preseason game, Zach Frazier represents the biggest upgrade on this side of the ball.
Guard: Push
Anther position group unchanged form 2023. James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo should remain a steady tandem for the Steelers.
Conclusion: ⬇️
For all the hoopla of the Steelers offseason one sobering fact remains. This offense may not be improved much at all over least season. There is a very real world where the quarterback situation becomes a disaster. The offensive line is filled with serious questions at tackle, only furthering the worries at quarterback if this team can not pass protect. And finally, this may be the worst collection of wide receivers this team has had in the modern era. Steelers wide receiver room: The worst in the Mike Tomlin era
If everything were to miraculously fall into place, this offense could indeed be better than last season. Unfortunately the Steelers need so much to go their way in terms of luck, that this isn’t very likely. The best bet is they finish slightly better than 2023. That result won’t get this team very far in their goal to win a playoff game for the first time in nearly a decade.