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One stat that epitomizes how rough a season it's been for the Steelers offense
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) leads the team in the huddle against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

One stat that epitomizes how rough a season it's been for the Steelers offense

 The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has some kinks to iron out.

This stat from Warren Sharp shows just how starved for big plays the Pittsburgh offense is. Every team in the NFL has at least one touchdown of 20 or more yards. The Steelers haven't scored a touchdown on a play further than eight yards from the end zone.

There is plenty of blame to go around as both the passing and rushing attacks haven't inspired much confidence. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has two touchdowns and eight interceptions with his longest completion through five games going for just 30 yards.

Based on Sharp's stat, 28 teams have a touchdown that's longer than Pickett's longest completion. For the entire season, the longest Steelers offensive play is a 45-yard throw from Mitchell Trubisky.

The running game hasn't provided a spark either as the team is one of three in the NFL (Denver, Tampa Bay) without a run of 20 yards or more yards, per data from Pro Football Reference.

Running back Najee Harris has received the brunt of the criticism for the team's lackluster rushing results. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Harris is the third-least efficient running back in football behind Los Angeles Rams RB Cam Akers and Washington Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. NGS calculates efficiency by dividing the distance a runner travels per running play by the yards gained on those plays.

NGS also suggests Harris is underperforming greater than any other running back. Per the Rushing Yards Over Expected (RYOE) metric, Harris has 93 fewer yards than should be expected based on the situations he finds himself. He averages -0.88 yards over expected per attempt which means he gains nearly a yard less than he should each time he carries the ball.

As the losses mount and the yards gained don't, criticism is being directed at offensive coordinator Matt Canada. He is in his second year with the team and isn't making a strong case to continue in his role past this season. 

Per Pro Football Reference, Pittsburgh ranked 23rd in total offense (5,361) and 21st in points (343) last year. This season, the Steelers are 28th in yards (2,392) and 31st in points (120). 

Pittsburgh (2-6) is likely already out of the playoff race in a loaded AFC. Until the Steelers find an offense, the curtain will remain closed. 

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