Steelers Join Only Titans in Embarrassing Offensive Futulity

Back in January when Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy was hired after Mike Tomlin abruptly and unexpectedly resigned after 19 years at the helm, many fans and analysts alike assumed that McCarthy could inject some life into a stagnant offense, especially since he was the team’s first offensive head coach since Lyndon B. Johnson was in the White House.

While the season is still young and there is time to turn things around, so far the offense leaves a lot to be desired. Heading into week three, the Steelers join the Tennessee Titans as the only two teams in the league with more punt yards than yards gained on offense through the first two weeks of the season.

So far the Steelers have accumulated 499 yards, which ranks 30th in the NFL, and the Titans follow with just 486 yards, which is 31st in the NFL. 

To put that in perspective, Steelers punter Cameron Johnston leads the NFL with 579 yards on 12 punts, which also leads the league, and Titans punter Tommy Townsend is third in the league with 529 yards on 11 punts.

When it comes to the team’s offensive woes for the Steelers, addressing the issues is easier said than done, as there are multiple issues from the offensive line struggles, to a non-existent running game, and the passing game where quarterback Aaron Rodgers has faced heavy pressure, including being sacked four times against the New England Patriots in week two, as well as top wide receiver DK Metcalf fighting to shake off rust and to overcome drop issues, amongst others.

So while the early results are not very promising to say the least, coach McCarthy has taken steps to correct some things, by having rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor and veteran Brock Hoffman take first-team reps on the right side in practice, as well as meeting with Rodgers to discuss which plays are currently working, and what isn’t, with the hopes that the team can rebound against their AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals who have shored up their defense significantly.

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