It might not look like it in recent weeks, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is making incremental improvements.
At least, that’s how former Steelers running back and current analyst Merril Hoge sees it.
Appearing on the 102.5 WDVE Morning Show Wednesday, Hoge stated that while many fans and analysts might not see it, the Steelers’ offense as a whole is improving.
“The running game is getting so much better, and I think the better that gets, the better they’ll get in the passing game. And the more they incorporate the tight ends, the more you can control the middle of the field, the more that does create opportunities on the perimeter,” Hoge said. “That is just a known fact in the NFL. Like, if you can control the hash area, you can control the perimeter and you have a great chance of having a complete passing game. So I think they’re building on that.
“I see that. And so I see good things evolving versus bad. I know it’s probably stagnant based on how you see it. And I think a lot of people see it that way. But I do see growth on the way.”
The Steelers’ run game is improving, there’s no denying that. Since their Week 7 matchup against the Bengals in which the Steelers rushed for 147 yards the Steelers have rushed for 93, 38, 73 and 111 yards. The 38 yards against the Colts seems like a bit of an outlier because in recent weeks Pittsburgh has been able to run the football and create some plays on the ground.
The Steelers have also done a nice job of getting tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth into the mix recently, too. Jonnu Smith hasn’t had much success in the passing game but Washington getting going in the middle of the field and Freiermuth bouncing back from a slow start has been huge.
Still, issues remain on the outside. While Roman Wilson continues to improve and is becoming a trusted target of Aaron Rodgers, and Calvin Austin III has been dependable when on the field, neither of those guys is putting fear in opposing defenses. That has allowed teams to double-team DK Metcalf on third downs, taking away the Steelers’ top option.
Aaron Rodgers and Metcalf haven’t been able to connect in recent weeks on shots down the field, limiting what Pittsburgh can do in the passing game. But on Sunday, granted against a woeful Bengals defense, the Steelers were able to generate splash plays on short throws, exploding for yards after catch like they’ve aimed to do all season.
So, maybe there are some improvements happening. They might not be obvious, but Hoge is seeing them, which could be a real positive for the Steelers moving forward.
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