The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into Week 7 with a 4-2 record and second in the AFC North. The Steelers have been able to pull out wins with strong defensive performances, but not much from the offense. Out of the 32 NFL teams, the Steelers rank 28th in passing offense, not the best ranking and not much of an improvement from previous seasons. Justin Fields has been leading the offense and has shown flashes of what he can do, but not enough to satisfy fans. Fields has thrown for 1,106 yards, which ranks 22nd out of all other quarterbacks.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin during Day 1 of 2024 OTAs.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is a defensive guy first and isn't worried about those numbers. During Tomlin's Tuesday press conference, a reporter asked if the offense can continue to win games with those stats or if a different quarterback can boost those numbers. Tomlin didn't seem fazed by his passing offense rank.
"I’m not worried about a time and statistics such as that. Stats are often for losers. It’s comfort food when you take an L. I just try and focus my energies on positioning this group to win and doing what’s appropriate to try and put the best collective together this week and win this game."
When Tomlin and the Steelers keep winning games, it's hard to question the stats. Clearly, Tomlin isn't letting it affect his game plans and what Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith plans as well. Tomlin usually relies on the defense to get it done, that's why they're the most expensive defense in the NFL. The defense has proved to make game altering plays, especially from TJ Watt who had a huge Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. When the defense steps up and gives the offense good field position, they responded with either a field goal or touchdown on Sunday. In previous games, when the defense didn't start fast and let the opposing team get ahead, it was hard for the offense to pull together a drive to go down the field.
Steelers' Donte Jackson and T.J. Watt got hyped against the Falcons in Week 1.
Tomlin may need to worry about the passing game if the rushing game isn't there. The Steelers have a solid running back duo between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Even Cordarrelle Patterson has made some good runs before he got hurt. Harris had a big game against the Raiders, rushing for 106 yards and having numerous plays where it was hard for defenders to get him down. The Steelers have usually been run heavy and pound the ball first. Although stats don't matter to Tomlin, the Steelers' rushing game ranks eighth in the NFL. Harris and Fields lead the rushing room with 376 and 231 yards respectively.
Steelers' Starting Quarterback Job Heats Up
With Russell Wilson considered fully healthy, Steelers fans are wondering if Tomlin will start Wilson over Fields now. Fields has a 4-2 record, but he's done more with his legs than with his arm. Wilson has been in the league longer and can probably make better reads and more accurate throws. However, with an offensive line that's dealt with injuries, causing the younger guys to step in, can Wilson use his legs to escape the pocket like Fields has? In offensive drives that have looked to be over, Fields has prolonged the drive by rushing for first downs.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) stretch on the field as the team gets ready to practice during Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
