Analysis: Growth of Steelers offense hinges on more than Kenny Pickett's development

It’s a no-brainer to suggest the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers this season hinges largely on the development of quarterback Kenny Pickett.

In his second NFL season and first as a full-time starter, Pickett stands front and center on the list of make-or-break issues facing the Steelers as they try to return to the playoffs and win a postseason game for the first time since 2016.

With that in mind, we decided to look at a few other areas — good and bad — that don’t ride solely on Pickett and his learning curve once the Steelers open against San Francisco on Sept. 10.

Three things that could improve the offense:

1. Canada opens up the playbook

If the preseason is any indication, the big plays will return to the Steelers offense. That component was missing last season partly because of the turnover at quarterback a month into the season and partly because of a conservative approach taken with Pickett at the controls.

Matt Canada will get his third — and perhaps final — chance to prove his offense can score points and keep up with the high-flyers in the AFC. That means keeping defenses guessing and allowing Pickett to control the tempo of the game. More deep passing and less 10-play drives that result in field goals. Finding a way to let the offense forge a strong running game and using play-action passing to open up the middle of the field.

2. Reconnecting with the end zone

Diontae Johnson went from leading the Steelers with eight touchdown catches in Ben Roethlisberger’s final season to setting an NFL record with no touchdowns on 147 targets and 86 receptions with Pickett and Mitch Trubisky throwing the passes.

Johnson spent some workout time bonding with Pickett in the offseason and is convinced the chemistry with his quarterback will be better. It needs to be if the Steelers want to improve on the NFL-low 12 receiving touchdowns — by all pass catchers — they produced in 2022.

George Pickens also needs to take the requisite step forward in his second NFL season, the most crucial one in a player’s career as coach Mike Tomlin likes to state.

3. Solving the slot

The Steelers never really had a reliable third receiving option last year, and that was before Chase Claypool was traded to Chicago at midseason. Allen Robinson was brought in to provide a veteran presence and improve the production in the slot. If Robinson does his job, that should free up more chances for Johnson and Pickens to make an impact on the offense.

Calvin Austin also could factor into the slot equation after missing his rookie season with a foot injury. Austin put his big-play capabilities on display during the preseason and could add some oomph to Canada’s beloved jet sweep.

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Three things that could derail the offense:

1. A loss of ‘identity’

Much has been made of the Steelers’ identity that was found in the second half of last season when the running game in general and Najee Harris in particular resurfaced. The Steelers made investments in the offensive line and at tight end to make sure the running game keeps humming.

But what if it doesn’t? What if the offense regresses, and the identity is lost? That will lead to more defensive pressure on Pickett, putting him at risk and removing the balance Canada wants to see this year.

2. Injuries hit the line

The Steelers were fortunate last season that all five starters up front played in each of the 17 games. Center Mason Cole was the only one who didn’t log all 1,160 snaps, and he missed just 36. Such durability is rare for a position where so much contact is required on each and every play.

Trying to prepare for the worst-case injury scenario, the Steelers upgraded at left guard by signing Isaac Seumalo and backup interior lineman Nate Herbig. Seumalo, though, has played a full season just twice in his seven NFL seasons.

Herbig also is the only experienced backup lineman. The depth at tackle includes two draft picks and first-year player Dylan Cook. The offensive line can ill afford a disruption to continuity — even if first-rounder Broderick Jones is waiting in the wings at left tackle.

The Steelers would like Jones to move into the starting lineup based on his merits and not because of an injury to Dan Moore or Chuks Okorafor.

3. Boz doesn’t bounce back

Chris Boswell had the second-worst year since he joined the Steelers in 2015 when he converted 20 of 28 field-goal attempts. The inconsistency was prevalent from between 40 and 49 yards, where he made five of 10 kicks.

When Boswell converted 65% of his tries in 2018, the Steelers made him kick for his job in training camp before paying a roster bonus. Boswell responded with one of his best seasons, making 93.5% of his kicks.

No financial incentive is on the line now for Boswell. Pride will have to suffice as he tries to rebound again and show he is one of the AFC’s elite.