Steelers Writer Rips Offense, Says They’re ‘Not Good Enough’

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was at its best on Sunday, leading the team to a Week 9 upset over the Indianapolis Colts.

In their last game ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, however, the Aaron Rodgers-led offense registered just 225 total yards, including a season-low 38 rushing yards.

As the Steelers reportedly finalize the signing of wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Rodgers’ longtime former Green Bay Packers teammate) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise called out the offense on Monday afternoon.

“I am really not trying to be overly critical, but the reality is the offense is not good enough. It just isn’t, and had the defense not handed it so many short fields and delivered stops (vs. the Colts), the Steelers would have lost,” Zeise wrote. “They averaged 4.9 yards per pass and 1.7 yards per rush. Their longest passing play was 18 yards, and their $30 million receiver, DK Metcalf, had a total of two catches for 6 yards. “

The writer went on to implore general manager Omar Khan to acquire a better No. 2 option than “MVS” to help support Rodgers and fellow wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.

“It is an offense that doesn’t scare anyone, doesn’t make many big plays and doesn’t even run the ball — the alleged bread and butter — very well. The run game is one thing and can improve as the offensive line improves, but the passing game won’t get better unless the Steelers go out and get another receiver, period,” Zeise said. “I know they have this love affair with Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson and the group of tight ends, but take a closer look at Sunday’s game. It is pretty clear the Steelers offense lacks firepower. The four tight ends are all good at catching the ball, but none are going to run away from anyone. And while there are some areas on offense, I suppose, with room for growth, the truth is the most glaring hole is at that second receiver position. The Colts showed if you can take away DK Metcalf, the Steelers offense isn’t scary at all.”

Pittsburgh’s need for a wideout isn’t anything new.

In fact, it’s been discussed since before the 2025 season even began.

Zeise commented on the Valdes-Scantling move, saying that it didn’t improve the roster.

“The Steelers are reportedly finally going to sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and while he does have a connection with Rodgers, he doesn’t necessarily make the Steelers better. I don’t think he is better at this point than (Calvin) Austin, to be quite honest,” he wrote.

The Steelers have already made one big trade recently, acquiring safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots.

Now, it might be time for Pittsburgh to give Rodgers another aerial weapon.

More NFL: Report: Steelers Reuniting Aaron Rodgers With Former Teammate