True or False? Steelers Week 3 Edition!

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jayson Erwin. Follow him on Twitter @JaysonErwin2002

Week 2 for the Steelers was a tough pill to swallow. The defense didn't have the same pop, the offense struggled, and many missed opportunities led to a 17-14 loss to New England in the home opener in Pittsburgh. Once the league got a look at the Steelers in their own home, some fans are either calm, panicking, or just concerned. Whether some believe it was the players or the coaches, some takes are justified or just absurd. Let's take a look at some claims from around the league.

"Mitch Trubisky is to blame for offensive struggles"

False, sort of.

Trubisky may be an average QB but nobody expected him to go insane. With so many elite QBs coming through the ranks, Steeler fans are still waiting for their Mahomes or Allen. Trubisky isn't a long-term option but one they believe can be a good game manager as they keep developing Pickett and so far, Trubisky hasn't been awful at all. 362 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Average at best. He is playing scared-to-throw picks which does have advantages and disadvantages. He isn't likely to throw picks but won't make too many big plays. Yes, there were some better decisions he could've made as the tape shows open receivers downfield for possible touchdowns or big gains but instead went with check downs or quick throws for little gains. It's not completely his fault but he has to take risks if the completion is possible.

"Pickett needs to start"

False

Pickett may have shown flashes in preseason of being the next elite QB in the league but starting him now would be a terrible decision this early in the season, especially with the teams coming up on the schedule. You have some teams with legit Super Bowl chances like Buffalo and Tampa Bay coming up and with both teams having top-tier defenses, it would destroy Pickett's confidence if he were to struggle. The Steelers have an easier schedule down the line and that's when Pickett is likely to take over. Pickett's time will come, Steeler Nation. But now is not the time.

"The defense needs T.J. Watt"

True.

I've never wanted to donate a pec more badly in my life. I hate saying this is true considering the Steelers have other weapons on defense but there is a reason the Steelers have been #1 in the league for sacks since drafting Watt. Watt brings a game-changing and game-wrecking presence. His motor and fierceness are undeniable. The combination of the strength of Cameron Heyward, the playmaking abilities of Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt brings consistent pressure on all QBs. The guy gets a big injury and the Steelers next game gets zero sacks and looking at the film, Mac Jones was pretty comfortable in the pocket. A rarity when facing the Steelers defense. Watt will be back in a few weeks and Steeler fans are already missing the star defender. He will be looking to pick up right where he left off.

"Offensive line is to blame for offensive struggles"

False

If this were the preseason, pretty sure Trubisky AND Pickett would be on the I.R already. But a pleasant surprise is that the offensive line has been doing well so far. No sacks allowed and few penalties. The pass blocking has been doing fine, the run blocking is where problems arise. This line isn't perfect in no shape or form and it'll be hard going up against playmakers on the defensive line and struggles will arise. Especially since Trubisky gets rid of the ball fast, the line can't mess up much. But Najee Harris averages 2.9 yards per carry and only 72 yards rushing. It could also be a team inconsistency. If Harris and the line can get in sync, Harris could get back into the swing of things. 

"Matt Canada is to blame for offensive struggles"

True

Canada has been with the Steelers since 2020, starting as QB coach and then getting promoted to OC next year. Steeler fans were excited as the struggling Randy Fichtner was let go after 2020. But with how the offense is being run, fans are already looking for their next OC. I can easily break down Canada's offensive scheme in a few words. End around, screen passes, run up the middle, and quick passes. Now while some of these plays can be winners, they're too consistently happening. It makes it easier for defenses to read us and beat us for the game. It wouldn't be as bad if he had more concepts but the few concepts I previously mentioned are literally over half the plays ran. Trubisky averages about 5.1 yards per pass and the Steelers haven't scored twice on offense at all so far which isn't a winning formula. Even some players in post-game interviews aren't talking bad about Trubisky but taking subtle shots at Matt Canada. The Steelers have three talented receivers, a top ten tight end and running back. The young talent here can't afford to be wasted! Canada needs to improve his play calling or this could be a dark season for the Steeler offense.