OT: Steelers Offense

[lilspainishflea]

We had to get rid of Kenny Pickett for this?????

29th in total offense. 30th in passing offense. 25th in scoring offense. 27th in pass completions. 29th in yards per play. 32nd in touchdowns. 29th in red zone offense. 28th in 1st downs per play, and 28th in rush yards per attempt.

1 total touchdown in 2 games.

260.5 yards per game in 2024. Down from 304.3 yards per game in 2023.

Scoring 15.5 ppg in 2024. Down from "terrible" offenses scoring 18.1 (2022) and 17.8 (2023).

The Steelers are 2-0 but against likely two bottom-10 teams. They're one of only 3 teams to start 2-0 since 1960 scoring only 1 touchdown. The last to do it was the 2000 Lions who went 7-7 the rest of the way. There's simply no way this team is going be able to keep up with Dallas, Philadelphia, KC, and maybe not even Baltimore or Cinci. They're lucky that the Browns are also a trainwreck so that may keep them close.

I can't watch them any more. It's not fun. Even the wins - where you should feel good - are absolutely excruciating and the absolute best case scenario for this team is losing 30-9 to Houston in the playoffs. This is embarrassing.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

steelers are 2-0, pitt is 3-0 and honestly, i dont even know if either team is good or not..

what's even crazier is by next monday, pitt will be 4-0, steeler could very easily be 3-0 and we STILL wouldnt know what kind of teams we have..

 

[Fk_Pitt]

We had to get rid of Kenny Pickett for this?????

29th in total offense. 30th in passing offense. 25th in scoring offense. 27th in pass completions. 29th in yards per play. 32nd in touchdowns. 29th in red zone offense. 28th in 1st downs per play, and 28th in rush yards per attempt.

1 total touchdown in 2 games.

260.5 yards per game in 2024. Down from 304.3 yards per game in 2023.

Scoring 15.5 ppg in 2024. Down from "terrible" offenses scoring 18.1 (2022) and 17.8 (2023).

The Steelers are 2-0 but against likely two bottom-10 teams. They're one of only 3 teams to start 2-0 since 1960 scoring only 1 touchdown. The last to do it was the 2000 Lions who went 7-7 the rest of the way. There's simply no way this team is going be able to keep up with Dallas, Philadelphia, KC, and maybe not even Baltimore or Cinci. They're lucky that the Browns are also a trainwreck so that may keep them close.

I can't watch them any more. It's not fun. Even the wins - where you should feel good - are absolutely excruciating and the absolute best case scenario for this team is losing 30-9 to Houston in the playoffs. This is embarrassing.

The steeler brand is eroding. Who wants to watch this stuff? If this doesn’t get better, then Tomlin should be held accountable for this Neanderthal approach, just as Duzz would have been held accountable for another year of Cig.

 

[lilspainishflea]

steelers are 2-0, pitt is 3-0 and honestly, i dont even know if either team is good or not..

what's even crazier is by next monday, pitt will be 4-0, steeler could very easily be 3-0 and we STILL wouldnt know what kind of teams we have..

Pitt is better off because: 1) they have a surefire QB; and 2) they won two meaningful games against rivals who they recruit against. It's also a shorter season so you're much better starting 3-0 on a 12 game schedule than 2-0 on a 17 game schedule.

The Steelers are a clear fugazi. They played two bottom-of-the-barrel teams and worse yet, neither was a division game. Nobody is going to remember beating the Falcons and Broncos if they go 2-4 with a -60 differential against the AFC North.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

Pitt is better off because: 1) they have a surefire QB; and 2) they won two meaningful games against rivals who they recruit against. It's also a shorter season so you're much better starting 3-0 on a 12 game schedule than 2-0 on a 17 game schedule.

The Steelers are a clear fugazi. They played two bottom-of-the-barrel teams and worse yet, neither was a division game. Nobody is going to remember beating the Falcons and Broncos if they go 2-4 with a -60 differential against the AFC North.

i dont know about Cincy but i actually think that wvu team is decent, very strong run game so yes, a win there is a good one..

and it looks like we have a young QB who can win games for us..

 

[pittdan77]

The steeler brand is eroding. Who wants to watch this stuff? If this doesn’t get better, then Tomlin should be held accountable for this Neanderthal approach, just as Duzz would have been held accountable for another year of Cig.

That game was so hard to watch.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

The steeler brand is eroding. Who wants to watch this stuff? If this doesn’t get better, then Tomlin should be held accountable for this Neanderthal approach, just as Duzz would have been held accountable for another year of Cig.

FK, this is the formula for the steelers to win, WITH THIS ROSTER. yes, boring as all hell but it's really the only way we can win. extremely conservative play calling, AKA Dont let fields screw it up for you, play good defense, run the ball and win a close low scoring game..

i mean, it's either this or throw the ball downfield to Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin 3 and lose by 28 points every game.


now you can complain about the roster and lack of skill players, I HAVE but with the roster and qb room what it is, with one WR and only one WR on this team, this is it man. this is as good as it gets.

What is crazy is with the first 1/2 of the schedule, steelers can go 6-2 without having to beat a good team. we can legit go 6-2 very easily and still not know if we are good or not..

 

[PittPharm2002]

The steeler brand is eroding. Who wants to watch this stuff? If this doesn’t get better, then Tomlin should be held accountable for this Neanderthal approach, just as Duzz would have been held accountable for another year of Cig.

I remember Tomlin having an elite offense for years , and nobody was saying it was because of him .

The skill level is low because the former GM made Teriible drafts for 6 years and did a crappy job in FA while trying to ride the last gasps of Ben

Running the ball, protecting the ball, and elite defense has literally been steeler football for 30 years , with an exception of 8-10 years with a HOF qb and elite skill players , and perennial pro bowler linemen

 

[pittdan77]

I remember Tomlin having an elite offense for years , and nobody was saying it was because of him .

The skill level is low because the former GM made Teriible drafts for 6 years and did a crappy job in FA while trying to ride the last gasps of Ben

Running the ball, protecting the ball, and elite defense has literally been steeler football for 30 years , with an exception of 8-10 years with a HOF qb and elite skill players , and perennial pro bowler linemen

You've also had a string of coaching and coordinator hires that rate anywhere between bad to irresponsible.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

 

[lilspainishflea]

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

I can see how you got here but I don't think it's that clear. Yeah, the WR are worse but the run game is significantly better and Pickett played a much harder schedule (the 2023 49ers were 5th, the Ravens were 12th and Browns were the 18th best all time by DVOA). I personally think that Pickett would have carved up Atlanta and Denver just fine if he were allowed to run play action the way that Fields is. Agreed that Fields has more upside and props to him for really taking care of the ball.

Overall, I don't think that swapping a 2024th 3rd for a 2025 4th (what the Steelers give Chicago if Fields starts 8 games), losing a year of control, and then getting a worse performance on offense against easier competition is good process. The Steelers may have even be able to add that 4th or other picks that they could feel they can't trade since their 4th is gone into the package to get Aiyuk. Maybe the 49ers make the trade faster if the comp is better?

This is all "what if" but I'm not impressed putting up < 300 yards per game against the literal worst teams in the league. This feels like the exact same team as last year except there are fewer stupid Nitters and Yinzers complaining (so far).

 

[Pitt2009]

Kenny is not a Steeler because he requested a trade. He’d still be a Steeler if he wanted to be here.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

Just for context:

In the 2 games Kenny started and finished last season without Dionte…

16/28 for 235 yards and 2TDs and no ints and a 108.0 QBR

18/32 for 224 and 1TD and 1 int and an 88.5 QBR.

Both games under Matt Canada, with Mason Cole at C, and without the highest rated OL at RT according to PFF…

Both were wins and one was against a team that was one play away from the Super Bowl, as opposed to the Falcons and Broncos.

 

[Rupart33]

I can see how you got here but I don't think it's that clear. Yeah, the WR are worse but the run game is significantly better and Pickett played a much harder schedule (the 2023 49ers were 5th, the Ravens were 12th and Browns were the 18th best all time). I personally think that Pickett would have carved up Atlanta and Denver just fine if he were allowed to run play action the way that Fields is. Agreed that Fields has more upside and props to him for really taking care of the ball.

Overall, I don't think that swapping a 2024th 3rd for a 2025 4th (what the Steelers give Chicago if Fields starts 8 games), losing a year of control, and then getting a worse performance on offense against easier competition is a good move. The Steelers may have even be able to add that 4th or other picks that they could feel they can't trade since their 4th is gone into the package to get Aiyuk. Maybe the 49ers make the trade faster if the comp is better?

This is all "what if" but I'm not impressed putting up < 300 yards per game against the literal worst teams in the league. This feels like the exact same team as last year except there are fewer stupid Nitters and Yinzers complaining (so far).

Pickett had the same issue with lack of weapons. Johnson missed 4 games early, followed by Freirmuth missing the next 5. And the ol was probably worse.

 

[PittPharm2002]

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

The only thing fields can do better is run the ball .
1 TD in two games

 

[pittbb80]

The only thing fields can do better is run the ball .
1 TD in two games

The play calling pretty much acknowledges that they don’t trust him to make anything but safe throws to the sideline or chucking it up to Pickens and hoping he makes a circus catch or drawing a PI call

And to be honest that’s the smart thing to do going against putrid offenses with their defense. However that’s not going to work over the course of the season. They may be forced to open things up a bit this week as I doubt the Chargers offense will be near as inept

 

[happjack]

Kenny is not a Steeler because he requested a trade. He’d still be a Steeler if he wanted to be here.

This and if he didn't want a trade he would beaten Wilson for the starting job at training camp, that Tomlin waited so long to name a starter shows that Wilson was ripe to lose the gig.

 

[Pitt8189]

The play calling pretty much acknowledges that they don’t trust him to make anything but safe throws to the sideline or chucking it up to Pickens and hoping he makes a circus catch or drawing a PI call

And to be honest that’s the smart thing to do going against putrid offenses with their defense. However that’s not going to work over the course of the season. They may be forced to open things up a bit this week as I doubt the Chargers offense will be near as inept

Threw a perfect 50 yard pass to Pickens, hit him in stride but was called back for holding. He seems very accurate at throwing the long ball but the offensive line will always be an issue regardless of who is back there at qb.

Off of the top of my head Steelers had a 60 yard pass play, a touchdown pass, and a key third down completion in the fourth quarter all called back due to penalties

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

The only thing fields can do better is run the ball .
1 TD in two games

He's made throws in the last two games that maybe Kenny could achieve in golf(?). Like if you let him throw one and then throw the second one from where the first one landed. A two-putt, if you will.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I can see how you got here but I don't think it's that clear. Yeah, the WR are worse but the run game is significantly better and Pickett played a much harder schedule (the 2023 49ers were 5th, the Ravens were 12th and Browns were the 18th best all time). I personally think that Pickett would have carved up Atlanta and Denver just fine if he were allowed to run play action the way that Fields is. Agreed that Fields has more upside and props to him for really taking care of the ball.

Overall, I don't think that swapping a 2024th 3rd for a 2025 4th (what the Steelers give Chicago if Fields starts 8 games), losing a year of control, and then getting a worse performance on offense against easier competition is a good move. The Steelers may have even be able to add that 4th or other picks that they could feel they can't trade since their 4th is gone into the package to get Aiyuk. Maybe the 49ers make the trade faster if the comp is better?

This is all "what if" but I'm not impressed putting up < 300 yards per game against the literal worst teams in the league. This feels like the exact same team as last year except there are fewer stupid Nitters and Yinzers complaining (so far).

Haha, that's fair. At the end of the day, I'm seeing very similar results on the scoreboard with a better arm and better legs. So it's a mixture of the production being similar and the potential looking better. Will he ever achieve that potential? Probably not. But the raw materials are just better, and he isn't doing anything stupid. At least not yet.

 

[Wanstash21]

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

18 isn't competent lol

 

[Wanstash21]

I can see how you got here but I don't think it's that clear. Yeah, the WR are worse but the run game is significantly better and Pickett played a much harder schedule (the 2023 49ers were 5th, the Ravens were 12th and Browns were the 18th best all time). I personally think that Pickett would have carved up Atlanta and Denver just fine if he were allowed to run play action the way that Fields is. Agreed that Fields has more upside and props to him for really taking care of the ball.

Overall, I don't think that swapping a 2024th 3rd for a 2025 4th (what the Steelers give Chicago if Fields starts 8 games), losing a year of control, and then getting a worse performance on offense against easier competition is a good move. The Steelers may have even be able to add that 4th or other picks that they could feel they can't trade since their 4th is gone into the package to get Aiyuk. Maybe the 49ers make the trade faster if the comp is better?

This is all "what if" but I'm not impressed putting up < 300 yards per game against the literal worst teams in the league. This feels like the exact same team as last year except there are fewer stupid Nitters and Yinzers complaining (so far).

there's a bunch saying Fields is the franchise guy .. which is completely mind boggling.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

18 isn't competent lol

Eh, yeah he is. Final year with Bendonitis:

107 catches
1,161 yards
8 touchdowns

He's competent. A headache, but competent.

 

[Wanstash21]

Eh, yeah he is.

if you want to argue he is, go for it. The difference between he and Van Jefferson isn't bigger than the difference between Arthur and Canada.

 

[FreeportPanther]

When KP is eligible for social security, will we still be having these threads and posts lamenting the tragic story of KP and the Steelers?

He's making $6 million to carry a clipboard. No concussions, torn ligaments, no worries or cares.
Seems like a pretty nice gig for what he brings to the table skill wise.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

if you want to argue he is, go for it. The difference between he and Van Jefferson isn't bigger than the difference between Arthur and Canada.

Well, there's the fact that Van Jefferson's career totals (116 catches; 1,615 yards; 10 touchdowns) are only slightly better than DJ's best season.

DJ, in only one more season than Jefferson, has almost 3 times as much yardage, 3.4x as many receptions, and 2.5x as many touchdowns. So, he's better. By a lot.

 

[Usuallyunusual-partdeux]

You're not wrong. However I do think this OC is light years ahead of Canada in terms of scheme and play calling. FWIW I thought the line played much better than I expected Broderick Jones aside. Congratulations to Steelers fans 2-0 is 2-0.

No trying to incite anything, but I'll still take Fields over the last guy. Some of the stuff he does is pretty awesome (even when it gets called back), and he hasn't been doing anything too stupid either. As mentioned, if you thought Pickett had it bad with weapons imagine going from two competent receivers to one, in addition to having a right tackle play like he bet on the opponent.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

Well, there's the fact that Van Jefferson's career totals (116 catches; 1,615 yards; 10 touchdowns) are only slightly better than DJ's best season.

DJ, in only one more season than Jefferson, has almost 3 times as much yardage, 3.4x as many receptions, and 2.5x as many touchdowns. So, he's better. By a lot.

And the Steelers win their games without him, with Pickett putting up better numbers than Fields. Dionte is a bum.

 

[Zeldas Open Roof]

there's a bunch saying Fields is the franchise guy .. which is completely mind boggling.

really? I havent heard one steeler fan, media member say that anywhere on radio, or on social media.

 

[Wanstash21]

Well, there's the fact that Van Jefferson's career totals (116 catches; 1,615 yards; 10 touchdowns) are only slightly better than DJ's best season.

DJ, in only one more season than Jefferson, has almost 3 times as much yardage, 3.4x as many receptions, and 2.5x as many touchdowns. So, he's better. By a lot.

ok now compare resumes of Art Smith and Matt Canada .. because that was my point. Even though the difference is great in stats between Dionte and Van, it still doesn't compare to the difference between Art and Matt .. come on now.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

ok now compare resumes of Art Smith and Matt Canada .. because that was my point. Even though the difference is great in stats between Dionte and Van, it still doesn't compare to the difference between Art and Matt .. come on now.

Who was the OC during that season I mentioned Diontae having? And what has Arthur Smith done here thus far that has anyone doing cartwheels?

 

[FreeportPanther]

Who was the OC during that season I mentioned Diontae having? And what has Arthur Smith done here thus far that has anyone doing cartwheels?

No cartwheels, but 2-0.
That's as good as they could be at this point.
One at a time, so far so good!

 

[CJsE]

16/28 for 235 yards and 2TDs and no ints and a 108.0 QBR

Pickett was so good that he achieved a QBR 8 points higher than a perfect performance?

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

No cartwheels, but 2-0.
That's as good as they could be at this point.
One at a time, so far so good!

I'm just saying: I don't think he's distinguished himself to be so much better than Canada that, despite the lack of skilled position playmakers, Fields should be throwing for 300 yards/game all of a sudden.

 

[Fk_Pitt]

really? I havent heard one steeler fan, media member say that anywhere on radio, or on social media.

Yeah no one is saying it, unless it’s an idiot local yocal yinzer from Bloomfield with no teeth calling a talk show.

 

[FreeportPanther]

I'm just saying: I don't think he's distinguished himself to be so much better than Canada that, despite the lack of skilled position playmakers, Fields should be throwing for 300 yards/game all of a sudden.

See what happens when the O line stabilizes. Fautanu starting at RT is a big start.
Frazier settling in at C, but still has room for improvement.
Couple injuries need to mend.
Then see if they start clicking a bit better.
Fields was better this week than last week.
First half looked pretty good, and would have been better without the plays that were called back.

 

[CJsE]

Just for context:

In the 2 games Kenny started and finished last season without Dionte…

16/28 for 235 yards and 2TDs and no ints and a 108.0 QBR

18/32 for 224 and 1TD and 1 int and an 88.5 QBR.

Both games under Matt Canada, with Mason Cole at C, and without the highest rated OL at RT according to PFF…

Both were wins and one was against a team that was one play away from the Super Bowl, as opposed to the Falcons and Broncos.

The more I read your post the more things appear to be wrong or cherry picked.

Kenny also played week 2 against Cleveland without Diontae.
22/40 235 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 Fumbles Lost, 70.3 Passer Rating, 14.8 QBR....I can see why you didn't include this one for your argument.

Kenny also played week 4 against the Texans without Diontae. Sure he didn't finish, but he played 3 full quarters.
15/23 114 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 59.0 Passer Rating, 14.0 QBR...I can see what you included "started AND FINISHED"

 

[Fk_Pitt]

I'm just saying: I don't think he's distinguished himself to be so much better than Canada that, despite the lack of skilled position playmakers, Fields should be throwing for 300 yards/game all of a sudden.

my Lord….

 

[Fk_Pitt]

The more I read your post the more things appear to be wrong or cherry picked.

Kenny also played week 2 against Cleveland without Diontae.
22/40 235 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 Fumbles Lost, 70.3 Passer Rating, 14.8 QBR....I can see why you didn't include this one for your argument.

Kenny also played week 4 against the Texans without Diontae. Sure he didn't finish, but he played 3 full quarters.
15/23 114 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 59.0 Passer Rating, 14.0 QBR...I can see what you included "started AND FINISHED"

Johnson played against Cleveland so I didn’t include that game.

Furthermore, we were boat raced against the Texans. The defense was throttled from the start. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison to the last two weeks. It was an outlier for our defense (kinda) so not a fair comparison. But that’s not why it wasnt included. It wasn’t a full game and therefore can’t be included, as Kenny’s best work is always in the 4th quarter, often when the incompetent OC’s mic is turned off…so every discussion regarding Kenny should be in games he starts and finishes.

 

[CJsE]

Johnson played against Cleveland so I didn’t include that game.

Furthermore, we were boat raced against the Texans. The defense was throttled from the start. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison to the last two weeks. It was an outlier for our defense (kinda) so not a fair comparison. But that’s not why it wasnt included. It wasn’t a full game and therefore can’t be included, as Kenny’s best work is always in the 4th quarter, often when the incompetent OC’s mic is turned off…so every discussion regarding Kenny should be in games he starts and finishes.

Week 2 Injury Report (Browns)

Diontae Johnson 2023 Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Diontae Johnson 2023 game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com