Somewhere along the way, the Pittsburgh Steelers were branded as a blue-collar, run-first, tough-defense franchise and no matter who is in charge or what year it is, this team feels like they have to only live by that mantra.
This has become a problem. Not just this season but it has really come to a head in 2024. The Steelers offense lacks any sort of identity and head coach Mike Tomlin keeps trying to make this team into something it’s not for the sake of a personality.
Tomlin admitted as much when he talked to the media on Monday. Tomlin defended the fact that the team is 4th in rushing attempts but 30th in yards per carry. Tomlin also admitted to living his own fears when he talked about running excessively even when it doesn’t work as a way to mitigate risk involved with throwing the football.
None of this feels like a team that’s built for the playoffs. The Steelers offense is the least impressive of any in the AFC and offers almost nothing in terms of innovation or threat to an opposing defense.
