How the Steelers can fix their offensive woes in 2020

The Steelers need to infuse a ‘power’ mentality into the running game in 2020

If you’re as old as I am (50 years old), you fondly remember the 1970’s offense that won four Super Bowls on a simple formula: A ‘power’ running game with some passes sprinkled in for good measure. Now, I am not advocating for the return of the ‘Pro Set’ offense (two RB’s in the backfield) as the primary offensive formation, but, as a change of pace, it wouldn’t hurt.

What also wouldn’t hurt is a return of a hopefully healthy Roosevelt Nix, who has missed a considerable amount of time this year.  In fact, Nix has only played in three games this season. To put his into perspective, the 2019 Steelers offense ranked 29th in average rush yards per game.

If Nix can return to form, it will help the running game tremendously.  When he has played, the offense ran the ball more effectively than when he did not play. That may be stating the obvious, but, it is obvious the running game was just not the same without Nix.

As an aside, it is both curious and disappointing that the Steelers were not able to either identify, cultivate or sign someone who was able to serve as the full-back.  Considering that Nix played in only three games this season, you would think that we would have been able to address what was a glaring need.

Instead, the Steelers offense tried to run the ‘quick pitch’ out of the ‘bunch’ formation more times than I can remember.  We also seemed to abandon the ‘zone split’ concept.  If the Steelers want to return to a running game that is both productive and feared, we need to get back to basics; we need to get back to running ‘trap’, ‘power’ and ‘zone split’ type of plays with alacrity, not just once in a while.

Another issue, in my opinion, is the health of James Conner, the Steeler’s former third-round pick in 2017. Conner missed a considerable amount of time in 2019, six games to be exact.  If he can’t stay healthy, we may have to look at drafting a more durable running back. Again, that may seem harsh, but that is the reality.

If we decide to stick with Conner as the primary back, we need to play to his strengths.  Conner, in my opinion, is a ‘between the tackles’ runner, so ‘quick pitch’ out of the ‘bunch’ formation is probably not the best option for his running style. A ‘power’ running game; however, is the best option for Conner and the Steelers offense.

Let’s take a look at another fix for the Steelers offense.