As the NFL enters its final week of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the midst of a critical showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. With the playoffs on the line, the Steelers’ 3-game skid has put their postseason hopes in jeopardy. What was once a promising season has now seen Pittsburgh’s offense struggle, defensive lapses, and inconsistent playmaking all come to the forefront. So, what exactly is the main issue behind this slump? Let’s dive into the key factors contributing to the Steelers’ losing streak and how they can correct course in this must-win matchup.
### **The Offensive Struggles: A Step Back for Kenny Pickett**
When the Steelers were 6-3 earlier in the season, much of the optimism surrounding Pittsburgh centered around the development of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. While the numbers weren’t dazzling, Pickett seemed to be taking control of the offense and showing promise as a franchise quarterback. However, over the past three weeks, his growth has stalled, and his performance has been a primary concern during this skid.
Over the course of the 3-game losing streak, Pickett has struggled to stay consistent. His decision-making has faltered, leading to crucial turnovers, and his accuracy has been erratic, especially when the team needs him to make a big throw. Against teams like the Ravens, Raiders, and Panthers, Pickett was unable to establish any rhythm in the passing game, failing to convert key third downs and turning the ball over at inopportune times.
**Inconsistent Play Calling and Execution**: One of the main issues with Pickett’s performance has been the lack of support from the offensive system. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has come under scrutiny throughout the season for his conservative play-calling and failure to build a game plan that allows Pickett to thrive. The Steelers’ offensive identity has been inconsistent, with predictable play-calling leading to a lack of creativity in scoring opportunities. Without a clear identity or a system that helps Pickett get into a groove, the offense has become stagnant.
**Lack of Vertical Threat**: The Steelers’ offense is severely limited without a deep threat in the passing game. Wide receivers like Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are capable playmakers, but they haven’t been used effectively in this system. Pickens, in particular, is a dynamic athlete who thrives when the ball is thrown deep downfield, yet the Steelers have largely kept things short and predictable. When teams are able to stack the box and limit Najee Harris’ running lanes, Pickett has little to work with, especially when there’s no downfield threat to open up space for the intermediate routes.
If Pittsburgh is to snap this skid and make a push toward the playoffs, they’ll need Pickett to regain his confidence and command of the offense. That starts with smarter decision-making, better accuracy, and a more aggressive approach to attacking opposing defenses, especially through the air.
### **The Struggles in the Running Game: Najee Harris and the Offensive Line**
While much of the spotlight has been on the passing game, the Steelers’ ground attack has also been inconsistent during this losing streak. Najee Harris, the team’s bell-cow running back, has faced difficulties behind an offensive line that has struggled to create push up front. While Harris has continued to show flashes of his elite talent, the lack of consistent blocking has made it tough for him to get into a rhythm.
The offensive line has been a weak point for Pittsburgh all season, but in recent weeks, the unit has been especially problematic. Whether it’s poor run blocking or struggles in pass protection, the offensive line has been unable to provide Pickett or Harris with the support they need. In games against the Ravens and Panthers, Harris was held to less than 60 yards rushing, a sign that the Steelers are struggling to establish any kind of offensive balance.
The inability to run the ball effectively has compounded Pittsburgh’s offensive woes. Without a reliable ground game, the Steelers are forced to pass more frequently, putting more pressure on Pickett to perform at a higher level. This imbalance has led to predictable play-calling, which opposing defenses can easily scheme for, thus exacerbating the struggles of both the passing and running games.
**Finding Balance**: In Week 18 against the Bengals, the Steelers will need to re-establish their running game to take pressure off Pickett. Harris and the offensive line need to work together to move the ball on the ground, allowing Pittsburgh to control the clock and keep the defense on its heels. If the Steelers can regain some balance in their offense, it will open up opportunities for Pickett to attack through the air more effectively.
### **Defensive Lapses: Can the Steelers Contain the Big Plays?**
While the offense has received much of the focus during the losing streak, the Steelers’ defense has also been far from perfect. Although Pittsburgh still boasts one of the top defenses in the league, there have been lapses in coverage, missed tackles, and, most concerning, a failure to stop the run when it matters most. The defense, which has been known for its ability to make key stops, has allowed opposing offenses to dictate tempo in key moments, leading to longer drives and points on the board.
In their most recent loss to the Ravens, the Steelers allowed Lamar Jackson and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to run roughshod over them, with Baltimore moving the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. The defense struggled to get off the field on third downs and allowed several long drives that drained the clock and put pressure on the offense to keep up. In the loss to the Panthers, Pittsburgh’s defense allowed over 30 points, showcasing their inability to contain high-scoring offenses when needed.
**The Big Play Issue**: One of the most glaring weaknesses for Pittsburgh’s defense over the past few weeks has been their inability to prevent big plays. While the front seven has been able to generate some pressure, the secondary has been prone to blown coverages and allowing quarterbacks to take advantage of mismatches down the field. The lack of consistency in the secondary has hurt the Steelers in critical moments, especially when facing talented quarterbacks and high-powered offenses.
**Stopping Joe Burrow and the Bengals**: In Week 18, the Steelers will face a familiar foe in Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow, who has torched the Steelers’ secondary in the past, will look to exploit Pittsburgh’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in the passing game. If the Steelers’ secondary continues to struggle, Burrow could have a field day with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, both of whom have the ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays. The Steelers’ defense will need to stay disciplined, limit big plays, and pressure Burrow into mistakes if they hope to keep Cincinnati’s offense in check.
### **The Path Forward: How the Steelers Can Salvage Their Season**
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Steelers have no room for error in Week 18. If they want to snap this losing streak and secure a postseason berth, there are several key areas where they need to improve:
1. **Get the Offense Back on Track**: Kenny Pickett must play smarter, more decisive football, and the Steelers need to find a way to stretch the field. More aggressive play-calling, better execution, and a focus on establishing a balanced offense will be crucial.
2. **Establish the Running Game**: Najee Harris and the offensive line need to control the line of scrimmage, especially against a Bengals defense that can be exploited on the ground. A strong rushing attack will take pressure off Pickett and help open up the passing game.
3. **Defensive Consistency**: The Steelers’ defense needs to limit big plays and focus on stopping the run. They can’t afford to give up easy yards and must make key stops on third downs to get off the field. Pressure on Joe Burrow will be crucial to disrupting the Bengals’ passing attack.
### **Conclusion**
The Steelers’ three-game skid has exposed several weaknesses that could derail their playoff hopes. If they want to stay in contention, they’ll need to execute more efficiently on offense, regain balance in the running game, and shore up their defensive inconsistencies. With a crucial matchup against the Bengals in Week 18, this is Pittsburgh’s last chance to turn things around and salvage their season. It’s a tall task, but with the right adjustments, the Steelers can still make one final push toward the playoffs.
