TE Pat Freiermuth reveals how simple Steelers offense was in 2022

The Steelers offense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2022, and TE Pat Freiermuth just exposed how simplistic it was.

"I tell Kenny [Pickett] this all the time. It's so different because we didn't have hots," Freiermuth said on "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger." "With you, how many times did we have a concept and you looked at [WR Diontae Johnson] and give a signal and it'd be a 12-yard completion? We didn't have that this year."

Hot routes have proven to be the best way to beat a blitz. So, not having the ability to change a route forces you to stick with the play as is, giving the opposing defenses an upper hand.

"Instead of looking at you the whole time, we were looking at the coverage," Freiermuth added. "Like, I know what I'm supposed to do. It was almost too slow at first because you weren't anticipating."

A more simplified offense was expected with the transition from a veteran to a rookie at quarterback. However, just how simple it turned out to be is certainly concerning heading into another year with Matt Canada as offensive coordinator.

In 2022, Canada's offense was sixth-worst in points per game (18.1) and ninth-worst in pass yards per game (200.6).

Canada's system faced a lot of criticism this season, so he'll need to make some improvements on a short leash heading into 2023.