Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through BetMGM. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
For most of their history, the Pittsburgh Steelers took pride in their ability to run the ball. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
Of course, that wouldn’t be the focus when you have a former MVP like Aaron Rodgers on your team. Then again, any quarterback can benefit from a strong rushing attack.
With that in mind, analyst Matt Williamson urged the Steelers to make changes to their offensive game plan, based on the defenses they’re seeing.
“Pittsburgh’s offense faces a two-high shell at a 54% clip, the second highest rate in the league. RUN THE BALL!!!!” Williamson wrote on X.
Pittsburgh’s offense faces a two high shell at a 54% clip, the second highest rate in the league.
RUN THE BALL!!!!
— Matt Williamson (@WilliamsonNFL) November 13, 2025
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is known for his desire to run the ball, but he’s moved away from that with Rodgers at quarterback. That makes sense to a degree, but the team doesn’t have a lot of pass-catching talent.
D.K. Metcalf is their only vertical threat, and newcomer Marquez Valdes-Scantling has never been much more than a boom-or-bust big-play specialist. Also, Rodgers is not as mobile as he once was, and the offensive line isn’t doing him any favors.
That being said, the Steelers don’t have elite talent at running back, either. Veteran Jaylen Warren isn’t the typical, bruising bell-cow back who’s going to run between the tackles, and they’re not getting much production from backup Kenneth Gainwell or rookie Kaleb Johnson.
The Steelers wasted an opportunity to improve their offense before the NFL trade deadline. Now, that approach might come back to haunt them.
NEXT: Jon Gruden Has Strong Belief About Steelers Rookie’s Potential
