4 biggest causes of concern Steelers vs. Bengals in Week 15

Deep passing game

In recent weeks, the Steelers have allowed for their offense to become completely one dimensional. They aren’t only a pass-first team, they are a short pass only team, and it has completely inhibited them in recent games. Last week against the Bills this was no exception, as a late deep pass to James Washington was horribly underthrown that led to the game-ending interception.

While the Steelers don’t need to revert back to the days where Ben Roethlisberger was slinging the ball deep often, they need to get this deep passing game going. They have two legitimate threats in Washington and Chase Claypool, and they are facing a relatively weak secondary. In order to bring back some sense of legitimacy to this offense, the team would do well with a couple of well-placed shots this week.

The only player I would caution them against is free safety, Jessie Bates. He is the lone bright spot in this otherwise “meh” secondary, and if he is tested, he can make the Steelers pay. Outside of him though, this group can and should be exploited. Roethlisberger needs to find himself in this regard again, as he isn’t getting the job done with the short passing game. The offense needs a new wrinkle and attempting a couple of deep shots could fit the bill.