Chase Claypool said Monday that "change is coming" to the Steelers' offense. And just as we suspected, that doesn't mean drastic changes.
Mike Tomlin addressed the media in his regularly scheduled Tuesday press conference, and quickly fielded questions about the state of his offense after a 1-2 start to the season.
"There are a lot of things that we need to do better. There are a lot of things that we'd like to do better. I think the best way to sum up my evaluation of it, whether it's the collective unit or components of the unit, is that we've been better with every outing," Tomlin said. "It's reasonable to expect those improvements to continue. We haven't done enough to win the last two football games, so there's reason for alarm as it pertains to that. But, largely I've seen improvements in all areas, whether it's individuals or whether it's the collective. So it's our job to tune out the noise and remain committed to the path that we're on and work to get better in an effort to change the outcome of these games."
That "noise" encompasses two major talking points: the starting quarterback and Matt Canada's job security. Through the first three weeks of the season, Pittsburgh's offense has produced only four touchdowns. The unit is averaging only 4.7 yards per play, which tied for second-worst in the NFL. Mitch Trubisky is averaging only 5.5 yards per passing attempt, which is dead last in football.
The offense may be improving. Two of their four touchdowns came in the first half of Thursday's 29-17 loss to the Browns. But, that improvement is not at a pace that can help support a defense that is playing without T.J. Watt, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. When asked if he was considering any changes to ignite a spark, as expected, Tomlin remained unflappable.
"Certainly, we're going to do what's required to handle this week's business, which is to win," Tomlin said. "I'm open to whatever that entails, but at the same time, we're not going to blow in the wind. I think that's the sentiment that I want to relay, is that the last couple of games haven't unfolded the way that we would like. But, we're in a no-blink business. Particularly, if we believe in what it is that we do and the people that we've been doing it with, sometimes you just have to show steely resolve and smile in the face of adversity that the last couple games' results have produced for us."
Regarding his quarterback, five days didn't change Tomlin's "definitively no" answer about Trubisky's place atop the depth chart. With the way the offensive has struggled in the first three games, it's clear Tomlin does not believe his quarterback is a hinderance.
"All areas," Tomlin said regarding what's impressed him about Trubisky. "Decision-making. Where he's going with the ball. The time in which he's making decisions. The prudent use of mobility, whether it's by schematics or by adlib. Just generally all areas."
The fans certainly don't agree. Kenny Pickett has been the fan favorite since the moment Franco Harris announced his name with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Even so, it only took until the third quarter of the first home game until fans began chanting for the former Pitt Panther.
However, Tomlin doesn't consider any noise from the fans as actual noise.
"Our fans are not an issue, man," Tomlin said. "We love our fans and the enthusiasm that they bring. We're not going to make that a negative. They care, and that's an awesome thing."
Even in the face of a 1-2 start, the Steelers are remaining collectively optimistic. Tomlin has led that charge, and the players insist any perceived progress on the offensive side of the ball will continue. However, this team also doesn't like the taste of a 1-2 record. How much urgency that produces this week remains yet to be seen.
"I know that we're all pretty hacked off that we haven't won the last two games," Tomlin said. "We realize football is our game and our business is winning, and we've gotta get back to business."
MORE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE
• Minkah Fitzpatrick is in the concussion protocol. He was diagnosed after undergoing evaluation following Thursday night's loss to Cleveland. However, Tomlin didn't sound too pessimistic about Fitzpatrick's availability come Sunday. "I'm not ready to suggest (his absence) at this point," he said. "I'm just acknowledging that he's in the protocol."
• Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring), Kevin Dotson (ankle) and Pressley Harvin III (hip) will all be limited to start this week's practice. As always, participation will dictate their game day availability. The Steelers brought in a familiar face, signing Jordan Berry to the practice squad to possibly cover for Harvin in case he is unavailable on Sunday. Delontae Scott was released from the practice squad to make room for Berry.
• Montravius Adams is now listed ahead of Tyson Alualu at nose tackle on the depth chart. When asked about the decision to make the move, Tomlin simply responded, "He's been playing better than Tyson. So we thought that was appropriate." Alualu is the third-highest paid defensive lineman on the 53-man roster with a $3,462,500 cap hit. For Tomlin to not only outright make the move after three games, but also be that brutally honest about it in a formal setting, that's a clear message he's not satisfied with the play of the 35-year-old veteran.
• The Steelers' offense performed well in the first half of Thursday's game, and it's no accident that coincided with a productive running attack. I asked Tomlin how critical the run game is in making the offense more productive. "There's so many critical parts, and certainly that's one of them," he said. "But, game circumstances and things of that nature often times are determining factors in terms of which component is most significant."
