The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season was a disappointing one, with the team failing to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. As the team looks to regroup and rebuild for the 2025 season, many are wondering what went wrong last year.
According to sources close to the team, one of the biggest mistakes made by the Steelers’ coaching staff was their failure to effectively utilize their running game. Despite having a talented running back in Najee Harris, the team’s offense was often one-dimensional, relying too heavily on quarterback Kenny Pickett’s arm.
“We just didn’t commit to the run enough,” said a source within the organization. “We’d get ahead in games and then just abandon the run altogether. It was frustrating to watch.”
The Steelers’ lack of commitment to the run was evident in their statistics. Despite having one of the most talented running backs in the league, the team ranked just 24th in rushing yards per game. This lack of balance on offense made it difficult for the team to sustain drives and control the clock.
Another mistake made by the coaching staff was their failure to adjust to the team’s injuries. The Steelers were hit hard by injuries last season, with several key players missing significant time. However, the coaching staff failed to adapt, sticking with the same game plan and play-calling despite the absence of key players.
“We just didn’t make the necessary adjustments,” said the source. “We kept trying to force the same plays and schemes, even though we didn’t have the same personnel. It was like we were trying to fit square pegs into round holes.”
As the Steelers look to bounce back from a disappointing season, they’ll need to address these mistakes and make significant changes to their coaching staff’s approach. With a talented young core and a few key offseason additions, the Steelers have the potential to be a playoff contender in 2025. But it will require a more balanced offense and a more adaptable coaching staff.
“We’re not going to make the same mistakes again,” said the source. “We’re going to commit to the run, and we’re going to be more flexible with our game plan. We’re going to make the necessary adjustments to get back to the playoffs.”
