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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 06: Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner looks at his play sheet during the NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 06, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 06: Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner looks at his play sheet during the NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 06, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Change of offensive philosophy

It’s now been two seasons since Todd Haley moved on as offensive coordinator and former quarterbacks’ coach Randy Fichtner was promoted to take his place. And it’s also been two seasons in which Ben Roethlisberger played all 16 games in 2018 and that was followed by the campaign in which he, Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges all took turns behind center.

In both instances, the lack of balance when it came to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was evident. And it’s likely something that has to change if the team is going to get back to the playoffs. In 2018, the club totaled the second-fewest rushing yards and attempts in the league. This past season, the club finished 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game and once again averaged less than 25 running plays per contest.

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That latter set of figures is somewhat disturbing considering the many changes at quarterback. Of course, a disappointing year by the offensive line didn’t help matters. But Fichtner’s game plans have received their share of criticism and the lack of a commitment to the run has not enabled the offense to kill clock late in games and that has cost Mike Tomlin’s team dearly more than a few times the past two seasons. Will that change in 2020? The jury is very much out.

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