Steelers offense seeks to bounce back after ‘pretty terrible’ season

The Steelers plummeted to No. 30 in the league in total offense — their lowest placing ever — and were 27th in scoring. Just once had a Steelers offense scored less relative to the rest of the NFL (it ranked 28th in 1999).

The Steelers scored one offensive touchdown in eight of their final nine games. They scored exactly 10 points in each of their final three games (all defeats), and they eclipsed 300 yards of offense just three times over their final 12 games.

For perspective, 27 of the NFL’s 32 teams averaged 300 yards per game.

“Just a global not-good,” DeCastro said while speaking during a video conference call with media Monday. “You start to lose confidence just a little bit, and you are just kind of struggling. It was a tough year, especially when we are used to having great years.”

It wasn’t long ago that 30 points per game was the Steelers’ stated — and not unreasonable — goal.

In 2019, the offense couldn’t achieve that once.

It’s therefore not a surprise the bulk of the Steelers’ offseason acquisitions were on offense. Three of their first four draft picks were on that side of the ball, as were their three most prominent free-agent signings: tight end Eric Ebron, fullback Derek Watt and interior lineman Stefen Wisniewski.

“We are going to do the things and learn from the mistakes we made last year,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said late last month. “Yes, maybe we had to alter things weekly to give us the best chance to win, but I hope to be a little more consistent in our process this year.”

The Steelers have the worst offense in the NFL. There's really only one conclusion to draw. If you don't, that's dumb.

— Mark Madden (@MarkMaddenX) December 26, 2019

Those unplanned-but-necessary alterations last season were primarily the result of the loss of franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to season-ending elbow surgery after he played just six quarters. Replacements Mason Rudolph and Devlin “Duck” Hodges combined for 18 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions.

“Obviously, you lose a Hall of Fame quarterback and he’s getting paid (12.6%) of the salary cap. There is a reason they get paid that much,” DeCastro said. “I’m not trying to discredit Mason and ‘Duck.’ Obviously, they are capable players, but when you lose a guy like that, that’s tough.”

Last season’s feeble offense was particularly difficult to swallow for the Steelers because its ineffectiveness wasted the efforts of what was one of the NFL’s best defenses. The Steelers led the league in sacks and takeaways and were among the top five in yardage and points allowed.

The offense simply couldn’t take advantage of an average starting field position that ranked among the AFC’s best or of a league-best 38 takeaways. During a four-point loss at eventual NFC champion San Francisco, for example, the Steelers defense forced three fumbles and two interceptions. However, the offense managed a combined six points off those turnovers.

“You lose confidence, and it just kind of snowballs,” DeCastro said. “Find ways to lose games. You can’t win when your defense is getting five turnovers? Yeah, it was a pretty tough year. It falls on everybody. That’s why it is a team sport. You can’t lose that confidence. You have to be better. But hopefully we will have a better attitude this year and hopefully stay healthy.”

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