Now that the disaster is over, Pittsburgh has grown accustomed to the playoff exits and the offseason starts. Mike Tomlin continues to produce teams that might overachieve, but they continue to fail in the postseason. No matter what the expectations are for the Steelers heading into the regular season, you can chalk them up as a 9-8 or 10-7 team who will get kicked out of the playoffs in round 1.
When it comes to their offense, the campaign saw some highs and lows. There was a stretch of weeks when it looked like Russell Wilson emerged from the ashes, but there was also the end-of-season stretch that saw them go under 17 points per game during their five-game losing conclusion. It was an up-and-down year under Arthur Smith, and this club is still searching for answers.
Steelers offense report card grade: C-
When it comes to the overall offense, they had some good games, but they also seemed to fail to provide answers when they struggled. They still lack enough talent and that will need to be addressed in free agency and the draft. Smith showed some good things in his first year as the offensive coordinator, but he also showed plenty of shortcomings that he couldn't find solutions for.
Steelers quarterback report card grade: C
A civil war nearly broke out when Tomlin decided to go with Wilson over Justin Fields as the starting quarterback. In reality, both had games where they looked like quality starters, but they also looked like fools too. Wilson was the starter for most of the year, and he was a key reason why the offense sputtered in their end-of-season collapse. The Steelers have a tough decision to make this offseason.
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Steelers running back report card grade: C+
There was a point in the season where it seemed like the Steelers were going to be able to provide their offensive identity. Najee Harris was clicking on all cylinders, and the run game was starting to control contests for Pittsburgh. Sadly, that quickly fizzled out and the final month of the season was a disaster for Harris and company. This will be a priority to find a solution for this offseason.
Steelers receiver report card grade: C-
It is hard to be too tough on the Steelers' receiving core as Omar Khan failed to replace Diontae Johnson after trading him this past offseason. Other than George Pickens's on-field production, no one else in the band of misfits was able to step up to the occasion enough. Pickens's tantrums and antics have only hurt the club in a variety of ways. They must find a legit upgrade at wide receiver.
Steelers tight end report card grade: C
In Smith's offense, he counts heavily on the tight ends to produce an all-around effort. While they did show some quality things in the passing game at times, they also showed a mixed bag when it comes to their effort blocking. Pat Freiermuth just got paid a lot of money by the Steelers, and he didn't live up to that deal. He saw a resurgence after Wilson started at quarterback, but this group didn't deliver.
Steelers offensive line report card grade: D
Injuries were something that hampered this group early and often. They lost their starting left guard and a possible starting tackle within the first couple of weeks of the season. They are a young group that had Dan Moore Jr. and Isaac Seumalo as the only solidified veterans. Each one of them showed signs of struggle, but Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick did show some positive things.