Despite the record, Ben Roethlisberger sees improvement within the Steelers offense

When it comes to rankings, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is a bottom feeder. Outside of passing yards per game, they are near the bottom of the barrel in almost every offensive statistic.

Compound this with a 1-3 start and you might think the Steelers’ offense is a sinking ship. Many fans would agree with this analogy, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still sees plenty of promise within the Steelers offense. It all started with an improved performance vs the Green Bay Packers, albeit in a 27-17 loss at Lambeau Field.

“Well, we started running the ball a little bit better last week.” Roethlisberger told media Wednesday. “I think that was encouraging. I think the passing game showed some—I mean, we went down the field and scored on the opening drive, hit a deep ball. Just still missing a couple of things here and there, but in terms of running the ball and the “splash plays” in the run game, I think that’s starting to show, hopefully, a little more.”

The progress for the offense started up front with the offensive line, and, according to Roethlisberger, the contributions of reserves like Joe Haeg and B.J. Finney were a welcome addition to the unit.

“Yeah, I appreciate what Joe [Haeg] did, coming in and playing at right tackle. [B.J.] Finney stepped in there at the end of the game and did some great things.” Roethlisberger added. “We’re all getting a little more comfortable with each other. I know that we’re losing in the midst of it, which isn’t fun, but as you grow and learn about each other, you hope that wins start formulating out of it. I think they will.”

The lip service provided by the key members of the Steelers’ organization, from Mike Tomlin down to the players, can be arduous for fans. However, progress and potential are only as good as the team who can put it all together and start winning football games. Roethlisberger understands this as well as anyone.

“We’ve played some good football teams and we feel like we’re making some progress. We just have to find a way to, at the end of the game, have a W on the board. You can play well and all those things and get better, but at the end of the day, you wanna win the football game.” Roethlisberger added. “That’s what we have to do, and it starts this week at home against a good team.”

The Steelers desperately need a win this Sunday for many reasons. Falling to 1-4 would be a death knell within the highly competitive AFC North, losing three straight at home would be a stat which hasn’t happened since 1986 and when you look at the back half of the schedule the 1-4 hole would be almost insurmountable.

However, if the offense can take the progress and potential they have and put together a winning performance, a 2-3 record with the Seattle Seahawks coming to town before the Week 7 bye week gives the team a chance at .500 heading into the by week. A tall task, but not impossible. It all starts with the Denver Broncos this Sunday.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the upcoming game vs. the Broncos in Week 5 of the 2021 regular season.