4 stats the Steelers must improve upon in 2023

Passing yards per attempt, 2022 rank: 25th

Being ranked 25th in both passing yards and rushing yards per attempt certainly isn't ideal, but that's exactly where the Steelers found themselves in 2022. Between the conservative play of Mitch Trubisky and the growing pains of Kenny Pickett, it shouldn't be shocking that this team wasn't super efficient when throwing the ball last year. Even so, this isn't something new for the Steelers offense.

Since 2019, the Steelers rank 27th, 24th, 29th, and 25th in passing yards per attempt. That is an abysmal stretch that spans multiple quarterbacks and 2 different offensive coordinators. It isn't just a QB issue or a surrounding cast issue, it is a fundamental problem with how the passing game is called.

Both Matt Canada and previous OC Randy Fichtner became overly cautious, primarily because of how Ben Roethlisberger's final years played out. He was either injured or showing heavy regression due to his age, leading them to want to get the ball out as quickly as possible.

While a quick passing game is essential for all offenses to have in their tool bag, relying on it so much has torpedoed efficiency and stunted the growth of their skill players. Now that they have added much-needed size (George Pickens, Allen Robinson) and speed (Calvin Austin) over the past two off-seasons, it's time to open up the playbook at least somewhat and let Kenny Pickett break the mold. Not giving him a chance to finally get this passing offense out of the mud would be a huge letdown.

Unfortunately, Matt Canada will once again be the man guiding the Steelers offense. While there is hope for a better showing in 2023, Canada will have to learn from his mistakes over the past two years if that hope is to be realized. Call me pessimistic at best.