Eight games into the season and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has seriously underwhelmed. Despite being 5-3, this offense has been outgained in every game this season. There was so much excitement about this unit in the offseason and almost none of it has come to fruition. So if there was any doubt when we give out our midseason grades for the offensive positional units, it goes without saying, that these won’t be great.
Quarterback - D
We would give this unit an F but thankfully, Kenny Pickett still has his magic when it comes to fourth-quarter drives. It isn’t enough to get this group any higher than a D because we don’t see it as a long-term solution if this team has playoff aspirations.
Running back - B
We love what we have seen from Najee Harris and especially Jaylen Warren. Warren gives this one a bump but last week we saw a nice change from Harris as well. The two have combined for 645 yards on the season with an additional 310 receiving yards.
Wide receivers - C
An average grade for a group that has been very average. It was great seeing Diontae Johnson have a big game last week and George Pickens has a couple of big games. But there’s been no impact beyond those two and the consistency just isn’t there.
Tight ends - F
If I didn’t know better, I’d swear the Steelers don’t have tight ends on the roster. For whatever reason, the tight end has become forgotten completely in the passing offense, even before Pat Freiermuth was injured.
Offensive line - D+
If I went player by player here, I’d give Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones each a solid B and everyone else gets an F. This group has underperformed badly as a unit, getting pushed around on a weekly basis. Maybe keeping Broderick Jones in the starting lineup with spark the rest of the group.
