Why next seven games are so important to Steelers' future

Big changes are coming to the Steelers after falling to third place in the AFC North with a 6-4 record. Here are three reasons why the next seven games are so important to Pittsburgh's future.

Is Pickett the guy?

The Steelers finally fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada after many blamed him for the offense's woes. However, with Canada now gone, the success of the offense falls on the shoulders of second-year QB Kenny Pickett. 

Pickett has underwhelmed since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2022, throwing for just 4,126 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 25-year-old has thrown two touchdowns just once (Week 3 vs. Raiders) in his career. There are no more excuses for Pickett, who must prove he is the future of the franchise or force the team to begin thinking about other options in the offseason.

OC trial run

Pittsburgh named RB coach Eddie Faulkner as the interim OC with QB coach Mike Sullivan handling play-calling duties. The decision to split the role may be surprising to some but Faulkner is beloved by many in the organization and Sullivan has previous offensive coordinator experience (Giants 2016-17, Buccaneers 2012-13).

With both coaches splitting the role of offensive coordinator, each will likely be in the conversation to become the next full-time OC in the offseason. It's now or never to impress head coach Mike Tomlin. If the offense continues to struggle, the Steelers will likely look outside the team for the long-term answer.

Playoff drought

Pittsburgh has not made the postseason since 2021 and hasn't won a playoff game since 2016. If the team misses the postseason once again, Canada may not be the only coach to lose his job, and the embarrassing loss to the Browns a week ago certainly didn't help that case.

The Steelers have prided themselves on never tanking and always fighting for a Super Bowl, but that has become further from the truth every year. Tomlin's 16-consecutive seasons without a losing record is impressive, but fans are starting to demand more, and rightfully so.