The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has faltered in a big way over the past few games, with their 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 being the low point of the season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked every bit like a washed-up 41-year-old, and the rest of the offense suffered for it.
That doesn't mean that Rodgers was all to blame, however. The offensive line played well overall, but Broderick Jones and Spencer Anderson had a night to forget in pass protection. The wide receivers did next to nothing, with Calvin Austin and DK Metcalf catching just five of their 14 targets.
Rodgers was clearly spooked from the get-go, but it's hard not to come away from this game feeling like the current group of playmakers isn't good enough. With the trade deadline already in the rear-view mirror, no significant roster changes are coming. There is a change they can make to ignite the offense, though, and it's getting second-year receiver Roman Wilson more involved.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to get Roman Wilson more involved in the passing game
Wilson's numbers this season don't jump off the page, as he has earned just 15 targets through nine games. He consistently flashes on tape, however, and he has made the most of his limited opportunities.
He has put up 149 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 receptions, with most of that production coming over the last four games. While it's been a positive development, he is still only averaging three targets per game over that stretch.
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With Metcalf and Austin not performing well in recent weeks, it's become clear that teams are having too easy a time taking one or both of them out of the game. The tight ends and running backs have subsequently been asked to pick up the slack, and the offense has lacked explosiveness because of it.
Part of the problem for the passing game is the over-reliance on Metcalf. Despite his massive contract, he is not the ideal WR1 for an offense. His limited route tree and lack of high-end ball skills make funneling targets to him a difficult task. If the Steelers want to get him going again, they need another playmaker to emerge and force defenses to have to account for them.
Austin has had his chance to be that guy, but drops and injuries have plagued him all season. The tight end group is talented, but they can't seem to play well consistently. And don't get me started on all of the wasted targets going to Kenneth Gainwell every week. It's Roman Wilson or nothing at this point, unless you are banking on Marquez Valdes-Scantling making a difference at some point this season.