Steelers need a major offensive overhaul next season

The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season ended in frustration, capped by a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round. This marks Pittsburgh’s sixth straight playoff defeat, and it’s clear the offense was a persistent weak spot all season. For head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his stability, the pressure to fix this sputtering offense has never been higher. Without significant changes, the Steelers risk squandering their storied reputation and Tomlin’s legacy.

Offensive struggles

Pittsburgh's offense ranked 16th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 22.4. For a team with supposed championship aspirations, this won’t cut it in today’s NFL. The Steelers also struggled in yards per play, managing a meager 5.1, which ranked among the lower third of the league. Tomlin’s offense ranked in the middle of the pack on third-down conversion percentage, at 39.5. It isn’t the worst, but it could be much better.

These numbers tell the story of a stagnant offense incapable of sustaining momentum. While the Steelers relied on their defense once again to keep games close, the offense rarely stepped up to seal victories.

Time of possession was another major issue for the Steelers, as they ranked 25th in the NFL. Their inability to keep the offense on the field stemmed from poor red-zone efficiency. The Steelers scored touchdowns on only 48% of their red-zone trips, well below the league average of 56%. Turnovers also haunted the team, as their minus-five turnover differential ranked among the worst in the AFC.

Quarterback production is often a reflection of offensive success — or failure. In 2024, the Steelers saw middling to poor performances at the position by Russell Wilson and Justin Fields collectively and the lack of development hurt the team’s chances of competing in a tough AFC. Although the Steelers finished 10-7, they lost their last five games, including the wild-card playoff game to Baltimore.

Missed opportunities

Against the Ravens on Saturday, the Steelers rushed for just 29 yards on 11 carries in the loss. Najee Harris, the team’s workhorse, was held to 17 yards on 6 attempts. Without a consistent rushing attack, the offense lost its balance and became one-dimensional, which is tough for any offense. Baltimore took advantage of this being able to tee off on Wilson, sacking him four times in the game.

If Pittsburgh hopes to get back to where it can compete with the best teams in the AFC, it'll need to put this offense through a makeover in the offseason. This passing attack was one of the worst in the NFL averaging a pedestrian, 192 yards per game through the air.

Mike Tomlin’s legacy

Mike Tomlin has long been Pittsburgh's symbol of stability and leadership. However, his reputation has suffered in recent years as playoff losses have mounted. If the Steelers are serious about competing under Tomlin in 2025, they need a revamped offensive approach.

Fans and analysts alike have criticized Tomlin for sticking with outdated offensive philosophies. Modern NFL offenses prioritize creativity, tempo, and explosive plays — all things the Steelers lacked in 2024. Tomlin must adapt or risk tarnishing his legacy as Pittsburgh’s winningest head coach. They brought in former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith last offseason, and while the offense did improve in some respects, there is still plenty of room for improvement in 2025.