The Steelers clinched a thrilling victory over the Raiders this weekend, maintaining their position as strong contenders in the AFC North alongside the Ravens. Following back-to-back losses to the Colts and Cowboys, the Pittsburgh team had an exceptional bounce-back game.
Next on the agenda are the New York Jets, who are also vying for a competitive edge in the AFC East. As we gear up for Week 7, it’s crucial to address three key issues for the Steelers.
Penalties remain a drive killer for the offense
Pittsburgh's offense has been dealing with a recurring issue of facing an incredible amount of penalties that essentially derail their momentum-building drives. The team has made it a top priority to start the game quickly and efficiently.
However, penalties such as offensive holding and false starts persistently hinder the team from reaching the end zone during the initial drives. Overall, the team racked up 7 penalties for 50 yards during the game.
Given the many changes happening on the Steelers’ offensive line, it’s crucial for the team to have discipline and a “next man up” mentality in order for the offense to be successful. Despite facing some penalties, QB Justin Fields managed to lead some solid, time-consuming drives for most of the game, even though some of them resulted in 3 points instead of 7. This adaptability and perseverance are crucial for the team’s progress.
Looking ahead, the offensive line is determined to conquer these recurring challenges to enhance the team’s ability to advance the ball down the field rather than lose ground. The burning question remains: how swiftly can these issues be rectified before Head Coach T takes decisive action against specific players?
Building a stronger camaraderie between the QB and the receivers
QB Justin Fields had a solid day for the Steelers, scoring two rushing touchdowns and showcasing his ability to escape pressure and move quickly when needed. However, the young QB’s accuracy and on-field connection with his receivers remain a pressing concern.
During a critical drive in the first half, Fields delivered three consecutive incomplete passes to his WRs. While the QB narrowly missed the mark on his deep throws, these connections are vital for sustaining momentum beyond relying solely on RB Najee Harris.
In the last game, Fields completed 14 out of 24 passes for 145 yards. There were many missed opportunities such as overthrows or disconnects that could have significantly improved the passing game.
As we look ahead to Week 7 and consider who will be the starting QB for the Steelers, Fields can take pride in the impact he has had on the team so far. One of Fields' most impressive attributes is his ability to swiftly and consistently extend drives with his legs, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the team.
Continuing to build a lethal connection between the QB and his receivers is paramount in the coming weeks as the Steelers gear up to tackle the most challenging second half of football in the league.
Pass Protection for Fields grows concern
The pass protection for Fields against the Raiders left much to be desired. The young QB was repeatedly forced into hurried scrambles or pressured throws due to the O-line’s struggles. With 3 sacks surrendered and several punishing hits on the QB, the passing game was a major cause for concern. Despite their solid performance in the running game, the O-line struggles in pass protection are a clear area for improvement for the young group.
The O-line’s struggle with pass protection has been a persistent issue, severely limiting the QB’s ability to make impactful plays through the air rather than relying on his running game. Compounding this challenge, even when Fields does find a window to pass, penalties for offensive holding often follow.
However, it’s worth noting that Fields actually has an average of 3.04 seconds to throw, according to Next Gen Stats. While this might not initially sound like much, it’s worth highlighting that this timeframe exceeds that of QBs like Baker Mayfield, CJ Stroud, and Josh Allen. This additional time provides Fields with a critical opportunity to carefully assess his options and effectively connect with his receiving core.
In the upcoming weeks, Steelers fans will find out whether the issue lies with the O-line, which is failing to provide enough protection for their QB to find open receivers, or if it’s the receivers who are not getting enough separation to make big plays.