Plenty of things are starting to sink the Steeler's season, Egos are starting to flare up as the offense continues to struggle even though the scapegoat known as Matt Canada has been gone for weeks. For one reason or another that unit has not been able to come together as one and figure things out. It looks worse than when Canada was running it.
Too many big egos and injuries that have hampered this team. They could still make the playoffs, but the Steelers have put themselves into terrible situations. Pittsburgh has been constantly disappointed by this club for a while now. Perhaps it's coaching, or maybe the players the team employs could care less about what uniform they wear as long as they get their stats.
Pittsburgh has to find ways of lowering the big egos on the team
Minkah Fitzpatrick had a great quote about why the team seems to be struggling to come together. There is no heart of winning for many in the Steelers locker room right now. Plenty of big egos stain the logo that they represent on the field. Some might see it as someone who is just frustrated with the situation, while others see it as a player giving up.
Both could be true and most will know who Fitzpatrick was referring to during his comments after the team's loss against the Patriots last Thursday. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are the key cogs in the ego race currently. Both want to be star receivers and want the ball, which makes sense, but that seems to be their only goal.
They do not care about what it takes to win in the NFL, they only want the stats for their gain. Tomlin has routinely dealt with big egos throughout his career as the Head coach of Pittsburgh, but it seems like that skill is dwindling. Players need to be held accountable, and Tomlin seems to not have that part of coaching down.
Most important thing this offseason will be adding a young NFL offensive mind
Maybe the only way of fixing the Steeler's offense is to somehow find a solution at offensive coordinator. It seems like a lost cause for this offense to somehow gain any ground this year. Tomlin would probably love for his interim team to find success and get them a permanent position going forward. That train of thought does not seem like it will work out though.
Fans would be up in arms immediately if another internal hire happened unless the Steelers score 30 or more points to finish out the year. Not that the Steelers care what the fans think, they kept Matt Canada for way too long. There should be plenty of outside candidates who are looking for a coordinator spot during the upcoming hire season.
A couple of names that stick out right now are Byron Leftwich, Klint Kubiak, and Eric Bieniemy just to name a few. All three have been an offensive coordinator at one point in their careers. They have a lot of experience on the offensive side of the ball and should be able to help the Steelers tattered offense turn things around.
There are a ton of other coaches that will be more qualified to take over the offensive coordinator job in Pittsburgh that are external options. Tomlin needs to go outside his organization and get new people in the door who are not afraid to change the traditional offense of Pittsburgh. It is time for the offense to modernize and Tomlin needs to realize that with his next hire.
The Steelers need to add more leadership, especially on offense
A few bad eggs can ruin a whole batch if they are spoiled enough. If the Steelers are unable to add more leaders or develop some, then this team will continue to have problems from inside the locker room trickle onto the field. Defense doesn't have this issue for the most part as guys like Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are there.
The main concern of leadership will remain on the offensive side of the ball. Kenny Pickett seems like he is trying his best to get into that role, but he has not produced enough to have his teammates buy-in. It seems like no matter who tries and steps up always fall flat onto their face. There are only individuals that are grouped rather than a team trying to accomplish something with one another.
Najee Harris is another option to be a potential leader, but he has seemingly punted on that option. Tomlin pushed for him to be in that role and it does not seem like a match for him. Another guy who has not produced enough for his teammates to buy in anyway. Perhaps getting someone who is proven this offseason to become a leader is the best option.
Quarterback seems like the main concern as that position needs to have some sort of leadership on a team. Someone like Kirk Cousins would be great in that role with all of his experience and the type of personality he brings. One thing is for sure, what the Steelers are doing right now is not working and they need another solution this offseason.
Pittsburgh has to keep their options open to upgrade at quarterback
No offense will succeed in the NFL if they cannot find a solid starter at quarterback. Kenny Pickett remains the key issue for the Steelers no matter how much Canada deserved the blame or not on certain performances. Pickett has started about a season and a half worth of games for Pittsburgh, and it has not worked out for both sides.
For one reason or another, he comes off as playing a simple and stale game. Other than some promise being shown against the Bengals a couple of weeks ago, Pickett has remained in his shell. Add those performance issues with his mounting injury concern, and you have a problem. Quarterback is a position you need an answer at, not a maybe or a no.
This offseason will be big for the future of the franchise. Pickett has to at least have a legitimate competitor brought in this offseason to push for his starting job. Either through the draft, trade, or free agency, there are better options out there. The quarterback room of the Steelers is not good right now, and they need to retool it this offseason.
Some interesting options could be out there for the black and gold to try and get in a few months. Cousins could be interesting in free agency, but he would cost a lot of money. Justin Fields could be an interesting trade target if the Bears were willing to deal him at a discounted rate. Jayden Daniels would be an electric player to draft and push Pickett for his job immediately.