4 stats the Steelers must improve upon in 2023

Pittsburgh's offense was stagnant in 2022; here's where they must improve the most

Pittsburgh Steelers, Najee Harris
Pittsburgh Steelers, Najee Harris | Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 4

Passing touchdowns, 2022 rank: 32nd

12. That's the total number of passing touchdowns the Steelers mustered in the entire 2022 season. One of them is even from Chase Claypool! To be fair, the QBs weren't helped out much by their supporting cast.

Diontae Johnson had one of the least efficient receiver seasons in recent memory, Najee Harris regressed as a receiving threat, and Chase Claypool was shipped off to the Chicago Bears during the season. That combined with a preseason injury to 4th-round speedster Calvin Austin III, and the offense just never got in a rhythm.

Most fans probably weren't expecting a ton of production from either Trubisky or Pickett, but to get just 11 passing touchdowns out of the pair is brutal. To put it into perspective, there were 30 players who threw at least 11 touchdowns by themselves in 2022. Even if the offense doesn't become more pass-heavy in 2023, they need to at least capitalize on the attempts they do get.

Part of the problem was the ultra-conservative playcalling from Matt Canada. He seemed to care more about trying to get into a short third-down situation than trying to create explosive plays. There is a balance that was missing last year that he has to find between keeping your QB from losing the game, but not limiting his ability to win it. If he can find the sweet spot, the Steelers passing offense should at least be closer to average in 2023.

Schedule