Steelers hone in on 3 key issues heading into the bye week

The Steelers head into their bye week with 3 key issues to address.
New York Giants v Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Giants v Pittsburgh Steelers / Justin K. Aller/GettyImages
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The Steelers head into the bye week with an impressive 6-2 record after a hard-fought  MNF victory against the New York Giants. Though points were left on the board, the team’s resilience and determination shone through, culminating in a strong performance in Week 8.

As the Pittsburgh squad heads into their bye week, head coach Mike Tomlin will prioritize addressing three key issues to ensure continued success in the second half of the season. 

Splash plays from opposing teams offense 

A critical issue for the Steelers this season is their defense’s struggle to stop splash plays in the middle of the field. Time and again, when Steelers fans think they have the game in the bag, a few explosive plays on a drive grant the opposing team an unwarranted opportunity to fight their way back into contention.

For most of the first half of the season, the Steelers defense has effectively neutralized the opposing team’s top targets, such as CeeDee Lamb, Davante Adams, and most recently Malik Nabers. However, their Achilles’ heel has been their ability to cover under-the-radar players evidenced by Giants player Darius Slayton in Week 8 who led his team with 108 receiving yards.

Ignoring the supporting cast of opposing teams can lead to unexpected setbacks, making it crucial to stay vigilant against all offensive players.

 The run defense, which for the most part has been lights out, surrenders only 90.5 yards on the ground per game. However, it has also given up significant explosive run-plays, revealing vulnerabilities and open spaces. It’s essential to recognize that while no defense can do it all, the expectations from head coach Mike Tomlin and the dedicated Steelers fan base remain high. There is a call for relentless pursuit and improvement to elevate the team’s performance even further.

Finishing drives in the red zone

The first half of the season has been characterized by frustrating slow starts for the Steelers. Fortunately, they benefit from having one of the league’s top kickers, who can transform potential drives into points and help build momentum.  In Week 8, the Steelers offense demonstrated solid and strategic drives, yet they fell short yet again, finishing with an 0-for-4 performance in the red zone. 

There has been notable progress in advancing the ball down the field, but it’s essential for the offense to prioritize scoring touchdowns instead of relying on field goals. This shift is critical for the team’s growth and should be a central focus in discussions moving forward. Making this change can significantly enhance the team’s overall performance. 

As the trade deadline approaches, the Steelers face a decision on whether to make a play for a WR by the trade deadline. However, it’s clear that Mike T has reason to be optimistic about WRs Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III stepping up alongside George Pickens in the passing game. The last two games have showcased Russell Wilson’s growing confidence and poise, which the team must capitalize on.

Fostering a strong on-field connection between the receivers and the QB will be an important aspect as we move into the second half of the season. This is an opportunity the Steelers can’t afford to overlook. 

Steelers' OL struggles are not going away anytime soon

The Steelers offense is facing a critical challenge: the O-line. This ongoing issue is preventing the team from fully realizing its potential against opponents. With the pressure rate on the QB steadily rising, Broderick Jones continues to struggle. His noticeable decline is raising alarm bells among Steelers fans, especially as the season enters its crucial second half.

Ryan McCollum and Mason McCormick have made remarkable contributions by embracing the “next man up” mentality. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that an offensive line comprises five players who must operate seamlessly together. If they fail to provide adequate protection for their QB or RB, it can severely hinder the drive’s effectiveness and team success.

The urgency to fix the O-line is intensifying as the tough challenge looms after the bye week, with the Steelers facing formidable opponents like the Chiefs, Eagles, and key divisional rivals. If Mike Tomlin can transform the offensive line’s performance and provide QB Russell Wilson with even a bit more time in the pocket, the team has the potential to soar.

Steel City, buckle up! This second half of the season is going to be an epic ride.

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