Steelers must find a way to cut back on self-inflicted woes ahead of Week 12

The Steelers triumphed in a thrilling 18-16 showdown against their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the offense struggling to find the end zone, the defense rose to the occasion, while the ever-reliable kicker Chris Boswell delivered six crucial field goals to clinch the win.

As we head into a short week with another challenging matchup against the Cleveland Browns, it’s imperative to address three critical offensive issues before Thursday Night Football.

Steelers' red zone efficiency needs to improve 

The Steelers’ offense has faced considerable ups and downs this season, especially in the red zone. As a challenging schedule looms, the team must generate substantial points to keep playoff hopes alive.  Expanding the playbook and introducing more opportunities for Justin Fields in the red zone could prove invaluable. Steelers Nation knows the explosive impact Fields can deliver when given the chance, leveraging his speed and agility. Arthur Smith, your move. 

The Steelers’ offense has created splash-play moments and demonstrated a solid balance between rushing and passing. However, capping off a long drive with seven points instead of three has to be the goal for quarterback Rusell Wilson and company.

With a wealth of talent at his fingertips, head coach Mike Tomlin must harness the full potential of his players and look beyond just Chris Boswell’s leg to capitalize on every offensive opportunity. 

Penalties continue to stall promising drives 

As we enter Week 12, one glaring issue remains: penalties on the offensive line are holding the Steelers back. Most of these penalties can be attributed to Broderick Jones. Even with the explosive plays from running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, holding calls continue to tarnish promising drives.

While benching Jones should be a consideration, the Steelers’ depth chart offers little support. The 2023 first-round pick must elevate his performance and lead the team to success by playing more disciplined football.

The team has had some weeks with fewer penalties, but a significant number still stem from the offense. Tomlin has built a reputation for backing his players and assuring fans that even those still developing can shine on the field.

Steelers fans, remain optimistic that Jones will resolve his penalty challenges and make a positive impact.

Russell Wilson's target distribution must continue to build trust

George Pickens undoubtedly holds the clear WR1 spot on the Steelers squad for the foreseeable future. What is surprising in the wide receiver room is the limited playing time and on-field opportunities for recently acquired deep threat Mike Williams. Although it was only Williams’ second game repping the black-and-gold threads, the coaching staff seemed hesitant to exploit Baltimore's weak pass defense.

The breakout player among the receivers, aside from Pickens, was impressive tight end Darnell Washington. To maximize their offensive potential, the Steelers should integrate more plays featuring Washington and nurture the trust between their receivers. This strategy will enable Wilson to deliver a more balanced attack.

With tougher competition on the horizon like the Eagles and Chiefs, the Steelers must diversify their target options to uncover reliable playmakers alongside Pickens.