Steelers offense gets rewarded with good grades after win against Colts

The Steelers offense was able to perform at a more consistent pace to help secure the win on Monday.

Not many experts thought that this contest between the Steelers and Colts would produce much offense. They were right for the most part, but Pittsburgh was able to take care of business and dominate in most factors. The offense continues to be held back by certain talent restraints that will continue for the remainder of the year.

Kenny Pickett had a good game overall with some sprinkles of inconsistencies

All eyes continue to be on Kenny Pickett as the rookie looks to prove his worth over the remainder of the campaign. The black and gold have seen growth from the signal caller, but not at the pace they would like. Pickett has shown his growth and that continued throughout this game against the Colts. He was smart with the ball in his hands and was able to use his mobility to make some plays.

Grade: B-

No touchdowns for Pickett, but he made some great throws that led to the Steelers touchdown opportunities that this offense got. No touchdowns and some missed throws limited his grade coming out of this contest. If he can keep his progress heading in this direction moving forward, then he is going to be a good starting quarterback in this league.

Each running back has done a nice job to spark the run game for the offense

Something has changed for the black and gold’s rushing attack over the past several games. They are being direct and running hard into the holes. There has not been as much second guessing, which Najee Harris was mostly at fault for. Each running back stepped up without rookie Jaylen Warren, and later Harris, out of the lineup.

Grade: A

This was the difference in the game as the Steelers were able to apply a more consistent rushing attack against the Colts. Harris was a big factor, but after he went out with injury, the other two backups picked up where he left off. It was a group effort to get this offense going on the ground and each back had a nice game that was topped off with the club’s two touchdowns.

Pickens had a big day that could have been better if some plays were made

None of the receivers put up perfect numbers, but they had some good outings. George Pickens led the way and should have added a touchdown to his stat sheet, but Pickett was not able to put the ball where it needed to be. Diontae Johnson had a decent outing, but he also missed some opportunities when they came his way.

Grade: B-

This group seems like it could still be a strong unit if they can put everything together on offense. The targets are starting to populate more, they just need to be ready when a pass comes in their direction. The offense has been so stale that these receivers are almost shocked at times when their number gets called.

Pat Freiermuth continues to make plays but tight end screens need to die

Not much to write home about with these tight ends in the passing game. Pat Freiermuth was able to make some big catches to keep drives moving down the field. Blocking was a big ask of this group as the run game started to come alive against Indianapolis.

Grade: C+

The Steelers did not include this group in their offensive game plan for the most part. Zach Gentry was targeted for a terrible attempt at a screen. Those rarely work, and Matt Canada needs to launch that play into the sun.

The offensive line had an up and down game that costs some points

Welcome back to the weekly conundrum that is this offensive line. They have held back this offensive group the most when you look at the lack of talent along the front. Dan Moore Jr. had some major hiccups that ultimately cost the Steelers a couple of opportunities at points.

Grade: C-

You could argue that their overall grade should be worse with how badly they performed in certain instances of the game. They have been able to block well enough to get this rushing attack on the move over the past couple of weeks, and they deserve kudos for that. Moore’s terrible plays that kicked Pittsburgh out of field goal range was a benchable offense.

Steelers overall offense grade: B-

There were good parts to the game for this group, but there are still multiple issues that haunt them. The Steelers attack needs to find ways of being a consistent unit throughout a game and not something you only need to worry about for a half. If they can clean up the offensive line more than this offense could end the season on a high note.

The Steelers offense was able to have another great first half, but they struggled to perform in crunch time. They did enough to secure the win, but it did not come without some of their own issues along the way.