Steelers different approaches to try and turn things around in 2022

The Steelers will be fighting for relevancy in the NFL during the second half of their season and they could turn things around. 

A straight descent from the heights of uncertainty is where the Steelers currently find themselves. They can either commit to the meager end that awaits them below or try and find a solution as they fall. Maybe there is no solution to the problem, but perhaps they can find a parachute that keeps their football lives going.

Pittsburgh currently sits at a 2-6 record as they enjoy a long weekend off. Hopefully, that will allow for the players and coaches to migrate into better circumstances when they return. Things are ugly with how the team sits currently, but they can make some fixes that could present some hope for this club in the remaining portions of their schedule.

Pittsburgh already took the necessary trade routes presented to them

The NFL Trade Deadline has officially come and gone as the black and gold were active. It came as a surprise to many as most people thought it would be a quiet day around the league. It was the exact opposite of that, and the Steelers were able to make two transactions. They are building for the future by trading away Chase Claypool to Chicago, but they are also looking for current solutions by bringing in William Jackson III from Washington.

Getting a healthy T.J. Watt back from injury should change this defense

The defensive side of the ball has been scattered for Pittsburgh since T.J. Watt injured his pec in week one. That game showed what this group could do against opposing offenses, but that did not last too long. After his injury, this defensive unit lacked many different aspects that Watt brings with him. With him probably returning after the bye week, things should start changing for the better on defense.

Giving different cornerbacks a chance to win the starting spots

Cam Sutton has been the only good cornerback on the Steelers roster to this point of the season. He has been consistent enough to be labeled the defense’s top cornerback. Ahkello Witherspoon has been in and out of the lineup with injuries, and he has played terribly in his starting role. Giving either James Pierre or William Jackson III a shot at one of the starting jobs would make sense and could provide a spark that this defense needs at corner.

Changing the offense for the Steelers to look in different directions

Matt Canada is still the offensive coordinator of the black and gold. That seems like it could be the status quo for the remainder of the year, no matter if that also includes a silent role reduction for Canada. Mike Tomlin could always step in and have another coach take the main responsibilities and just keep Canada as a figurehead in that instance.

Changes need to be done for this offense to compete in games and give Kenny Pickett every opportunity to grow and succeed in the NFL. Trading Claypool might seem like a risky route without as many weapons around the rookie signal caller, but it opens the door for George Pickens to get more chances as a starter. Another thing that needs to happen is taking away carries from Najee Harris and applying those toward Jaylen Warren until further notice.

The Steelers have a lot of work in front of them so they can get to a respectable record at the end of the year. It is going to be an uphill battle, but these changes could give them a shot.