3 Steelers players that are holding the offense back so far

Steelers Ben Roethlisberger

While the offensive line has done Ben Roethlisberger few favors so far, he is also deserving of some of the blame for just how sluggish this offensive unit has been. While no one expected him to come out and throw the ball as he did in his prime, his decision-making has been questionable, and his deep throws have once again been off the mark. It hasn’t been a strong start for the veteran.

As of now, Roethlisberger looks like the quarterback from the last quarter of the season in 2020, where the team went from 11-0 to 12-4 before losing in the first round of the playoffs. The only difference is he is actually stepping into his throws as his knees aren’t as banged up as they were last season. He is still settling for check-down passes and quick throws. With that being such a staple now in this offense, opposing defenses have little issue countering it.

This isn’t to say that the Steelers should bench Roethlisberger. He is still the best option to win but that benefit of the doubt is waning. If the team continues to struggle and is suddenly out of any sort of contention for the 2021 playoffs, a benching may be on the table. In the meantime, though, Roethlisberger needs to quit playing as he has so far this season. No, he doesn’t have to revert back to the gunslinger mentality of his younger self, but better-placed passes and fewer check-downs would go a long way in helping this offense.

With the Steelers off to a weak 1-2 start, the offense has to start making some changes in order to get this unit on the right track. If not, expect a long season filled with disappointment unless the defense can play at an elite level week in and week out. While these players can turn things around, right now they are clearly holding this Steelers offense back.