The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting at a shaky 2-2 record, stuck right at the bottom of the AFC North with the Cincinnati Bengals. After a seriously frustrating loss Thursday night in Cleveland, it feels like we’re left with way more questions than answers heading into Week 5. The defense wasn’t exactly showing up, and the offense, man, they just left so much out there. You’d think with D.K. Metcalf and Roman Wilson both pulling in over 100 receiving yards in a game, a win would be a given, right? Apparently not. Jaylen Warren has been absolutely splendid these first four weeks, no doubt, but one stat right now is just screaming trouble for this Steelers offense.
This Passing Game Is Stuck in Neutral (or Reverse!)
Seriously, this number is brutal. According to Ryan Paganetti, that former NFL coach and current analyst, the Steelers are dead last in the entire NFL. We’re talking 32nd, folks. A shocking 50.6% of their pass plays are going for zero yards or fewer. Think about that for a second. Half the time Aaron Rodgers drops back to pass, it’s basically a wasted down, or worse. How are you supposed to build momentum, convert third downs, or put up points when you’re literally losing ground on every other throw? It’s mind-boggling. With the investment in Michael Pittman Jr., you’d think involving him more would be a no-brainer. They gotta find a way to get him the ball and actually *gain* some yards.
Rodgers, McCarthy: It’s On You Two
Look, one way or another, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy have to get this figured out. There’s just no excuse for the Steelers to have an anemic passing offense when other teams in the league are moving the ball way better, even with fewer resources. The hits are piling up on Rodgers, and even Ben Roethlisberger is worried about him. That’s not a good sign when a legend like Big Ben is sounding the alarm. For better or worse, the Steelers are stuck with Rodgers and McCarthy right now, so they’ve got to find a solution, and fast. The positive news on Jamel Dean for the secondary is nice, and parting ways with that OLB might clear some space, but the core issue is that passing game. JPJ is waiting for his chance to play his former team, which could be interesting, but that won’t fix the fundamental problem.
The pressure is officially on. This team needs to stick to what’s actually working on offense, and clearly, that isn’t half of their pass plays. They have to fix this zero-yard problem before this 2-2 start turns into something much worse.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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