Over the course of their last three games, the Steelers’ postseason chances have drastically declined. Pittsburgh is 7-7 after losses to the Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts. The team’s offensive problems may lead to additional adjustments in addition to those that have already been implemented.
Last month, the Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada in a very unusual move. In the team’s opening game, Mike Sullivan took over as play-caller, which seemed like a wise decision. However, since then, things have not gone as planned. Starting quarterback Kenny Pickett left the game against Arizona with a severe ankle injury. Pickett has not made the Year 2 leap that many passers do. Although the team has stated that they anticipate he will be out for four weeks, no clear return date has been set.
In Pickett’s place, backup Mitch Trubisky has played, but his performances have been far from stellar. Since replacing Pickett in Week 13, the former No. 2 pick has thrown three touchdowns and as many picks, but he hasn’t been able to pass for more than 190 yards in a game during that time. Pittsburgh’s offence on Saturday against the Colts took a 13-0 lead early on, but it was unable to sustain that lead as the club lost 30-13.
Head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the Steelers are “going to do things differently next week” in his post-game statements (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). The team’s offence will be something to watch, even though defensive changes might be made in the next few days. Tomlin refused to state that Trubisky would start for the Steelers in Week 16. That might be because Pickett isn’t sure when he’ll be available, but it might also indicate that Mason Rudolph, a third-stringer, is a possibility to start next week.
On Saturday, the latter concluded the match, making his debut for the 2023 campaign. Rudolph saw no action in the previous season and has only made two starts since the 2020 season began. It would be surprising to give the 28-year-old the nod considering how little game experience he has, but it also wouldn’t be shocking to see Pittsburgh make a big move in an attempt to generate some offence. The team, which is still in contention for an AFC wild-card position, has been frustrated by constant inconsistencies, particularly in the passing game.
Although Tomlin’s record of never having a losing season is in jeopardy, his job security is not anticipated to be impacted by how this year ends. But as Pittsburgh looks to end its current losing streak, how he and the team’s staff perform in the immediate future will be an important plot point to follow.
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