The Steelers' week is all about Sunday's first-place rematch with Cleveland, with both teams sitting at 5-2 and Pittsburgh seeking revenge for the Week 4 loss. The trade deadline hums underneath it: Josh Downs requested out of Indianapolis and Behind the Steel Curtain reports the Steelers are among the interested teams, while beat writers expect Omar Khan to be aggressive for receiver help. Kurt Warner supplies the counterweight, arguing the offense's scoring limitations cap how far this team can go.
Locked On Steelers: The Steelers' offense is finding success with a run-heavy approach and dominant offensive line, but questions linger about play-calling balance between Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. The pair sometimes disagree on execution, particularly in red zone situations where conservative runs might give way to questionable pass calls. Their best chemistry historically came through aggressive passing, yet the current ground-focused strategy is working, the challenge is maintaining it while developing the passing game.
The veteran safety said going on injured reserve in August was the best thing for him.
With injuries depleting Pittsburgh's receiving corps, the Steelers could unlock more offensive potential by featuring tight end Darnell Washington beyond checkdowns. Though he's shown red-zone prowess with three touchdowns in four weeks, he remains underutilized despite his receiving ability. The question is whether the team views him as merely a situational player or a legitimate receiving threat worth more consistent targets.
Pittsburgh's red zone offense ranks 27th because the team almost never hands off near the goal line, running just 16 times in the red zone, last in football. Despite having an effective back in Jaylen Warren, the Steelers rely too heavily on passing, which has backfired compared to last season's efficiency. Committing to the ground game inside the 20-yard line could transform their scoring struggles.