The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some very bad offenses in recent years, but at one point this season, it looked like the unit was finally starting to turn the corner with Russell Wilson under center.
Unfortunately, that was short-lived and the offense reverted back to a boring and lifeless unit over the last five weeks that wasn't all that different from the Matt Canada days. That's why the loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night amounted to the least surprising result ever.
Chalk it up to whatever you like, whether that be offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, a lack of talent at wide receiver, lackluster quarterback play, or all of the above (it's all of the above), but things aren't getting better in Pittsburgh and significant change is desperately needed.
When asked if he has seen growth in the Steelers' offense since his rookie season, wide receiver George Pickens admitted that he has.
"Yeah, I've seen signs of growth for sure," Pickens said. "From the first year I've been here, just way more growth for sure.
However, when asked if he was optimistic about the future of the offense in Pittsburgh, Pickens simply replied: "Nah."
George Pickens on if he has seen signs of growth from the offense this season #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/V6HO5oNGBS
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 12, 2025
While blunt, it's hard to blame Pickens for his answer. Pittsburgh's offense took a huge step back down the stretch of the season.
Over Wilson's first seven starts, the unit was averaging 29.8 points per game. Over the Steelers' final five games that include the playoff loss on Saturday night, Pittsburgh averaged a measly 14.2.
That is simply not going to get it done in this day and age, and that should force the Steelers to examine everything, from the play-caller to the personnel. This cannot continue for another season.
When it comes to Pickens, some have wondered if the Steelers should move on in 2025 because of his poor attitude that would make a contract extension very risky.
If the Steelers do indeed go that route, they better have a damn good contingency plan at wide receiver, because Pickens is one of the few legit playmakers this offense has.
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