The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was notably disappointing during their five-game losing streak in 2024, failing to score more than 20 points in any of those contests, a deficit that hampers any NFL team. Initially, there were expectations that the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, and quarterback Russell Wilson could enhance the unit’s performance compared to the recent output under Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett. Although the offense performed reasonably well for most of the season, scoring points and managing time of possession, everything unraveled in Week 15.
In Mike Tomlin’s final press conference of the 2024 season, he addressed the team’s ineffective scoring, agreeing with the consensus that teams can’t win late in the season with only 14 points per game. “It certainly needs to score more points,” Tomlin stated. “In whatever way that happens is whatever way that happens. It doesn’t necessarily require a complete overhaul, but we definitely need to score more points. You won’t find success scoring just 14 points a week in January.”
The Steelers struggled with slow starts, as only one out of their last five games resulted in a first drive that wasn’t a three-and-out. These sluggish beginnings made it difficult for Pittsburgh to recover, especially since they had not held a lead since their Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Looking ahead, the focus during the offseason will likely shift more toward improving the offense than the defense, a change from previous years. General Manager Omar Khan likely recognized the underwhelming production from their receivers, aside from George Pickens, and will aim to address this, possibly through free agency or the NFL Draft.
Several players may become free agents if they are not re-signed. With Najee Harris’ fifth-year option not picked up last offseason and key contracts expiring, Khan faces significant decisions before free agency begins. Questions remain about the starting quarterback for the next season and whether to retain both Harris and Jaylen Warren, as he aims to construct a more potent offensive lineup for 2025.
Fans had hoped that the changes at quarterback and the new offensive coordinator would break the Steelers’ playoff win drought, but another season has ended without improvement. While Tomlin doesn’t think a complete overhaul is necessary, he acknowledges that adjustments are essential to reverse recent postseason struggles.
As NFL teams seek their next head coach, the Steelers may need to find a new offensive coordinator if Smith is hired away. He is gaining interest from other teams, including requests for interviews from the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, leaving Khan and Tomlin potentially searching for a new offensive coordinator along with personnel to boost their scoring capability.
Steelers’ Offense Needs Revamping for a Different 2025
The lack of offensive explosiveness from the Steelers in recent years has been frustrating for fans. Despite the arrival of new quarterbacks and Smith, who previously found success in his role, this year’s disappointing conclusion has been hard to bear. Khan faces a significant challenge in identifying the right pieces to ensure this late-season decline does not happen again.
