It's been a historically low-scoring year in the NFL. As defenses attempt to shut down explosive plays with two-high coverage, offenses have had a hard time finding the endzone consistently. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of many teams feeling the effects of this.
Over the past three years with Matt Canada as offensive coordinator of the Steelers, Pittsburgh's points per game have steadily declined. Mike Tomlin's team his rock bottom last year when they scored a dismal 17.9 PPG.
While every aspect of the offense is better under Arthur Smith in 2024, this hasn't been reflected in Pittsburgh's points per game this season. Through the first four weeks of the season, the Steelers rank just 22nd in this department with a mere 18.8 PPG.
NFL points per game entering Week 5
1 New Orleans: 31.8
2 Buffalo: 30.5
3 Washington: 30.3
4 Minnesota: 29.0
5 Baltimore: 26.5
6 Detroit: 26.0
6 Green Bay: 26.0
8 San Francisco: 25.8
9 Cincinnati: 25.5
9 Seattle: 25.5
11 Tampa Bay: 24.3
11 Dallas: 24.3
13 Arizona: 24.0
14 Kansas City: 23.0
15 Philadelphia: 21.5
16 Indianapolis: 21.3
17 Tennessee: 19.8
17 Houston: 19.8
19 Las Vegas: 19.5
20 Chicago: 19.3
21 NY Jets: 19.0
22 LA Rams: 18.8
22 Atlanta: 18.8
22 Pittsburgh: 18.8
25 Carolina: 18.3
26 LA Chargers: 17.0
27 Cleveland: 16.5
28 Denver: 15.5
29 Jacksonville: 15.0
29 NY Giants: 15.0
31 New England: 13.0
32 Miami: 11.3
For the fourth straight season, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the bottom half of the league in one of the league's most important statistical categories. The good news is that this team is trending in the right direction and has shown signs of life.
Steelers will climb in points per game rankings
Using one statistical category like points per game to judge the entire offense is unwise. It takes a collection of statistics to get to the full picture. Still, it's easy to see how much smoother things have been running under the direction of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the difference in quarterback play from previous seasons.
The Steelers' offense may not be scoring many points entering October, but the film inspires hope.
Despite Pittsburgh's loss to the Colts in Week 4, Justin Fields became the first player in Steelers history to earn at least 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns in one game. He did most of this damage in the second half.
Fields has been a notable step up from an unspectacular combination of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky over the past few years, and there's no reason to suggest the points won't come in time.
Regardless, this isn't where Mike Tomlin wants to be -- even if he does want to play ball-control offense and rely heavily on his defense. The Steelers won't be a real threat until they start putting points on the board.