Dud: Kenny Pickett and his OL continue to regress
Heading into Monday night, Steelers fans wanted nothing more than to see the offense put something, anything, together. Unfortunately, they (for the most part) got much of the same clunky and disjointed offense that has plagued them since the hiring of Matt Canada.
It hasn’t simply been a Canada problem though. Kenny Pickett and his offensive line have been the most troubling to start the season, and it continued against Cleveland. Because of all the pressure allowed so far, Pickett has looked skittish in the pocket and has looked to escape it more than ever.
Even when the line has blocked for him, he has been so rattled already that his accuracy has been spotty at best. If this cycle continues, the offense may only get worse from here. That’s hard to imagine after only 19 total offensive points scored in two weeks, but there is still room to fall even further.
It isn’t just pass protection that has failed the Steelers either. They have made zero progress at consistently opening up holes in the run game after seemingly turning the corner late in 2022. They have rushed for just 96 yards on 31 attempts, and most of those yards have come on three 10+ yard runs by Najee Harris. If the line play does not improve, this offense will be staying grounded for the foreseeable future. It may be time to see what rookie tackle Broderick Jones can do.