Despite topping the AFC North with a 7-2 record and overcoming their toughest test of the season on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers still can’t do enough to convince some experts they are genuine challengers this season.
Mike Tomlin’s outfit are on course to at least make the playoffs for the second consecutive season amid their current four-game winning run, leaving them third in the overall AFC conference standings, while their bid to end their four-year AFC North title drought is looking stronger by the week.
Granted, there are still tough games to come against the likes of the Baltimore Ravens (twice), Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, but Sunday’s 28-27 comeback victory over the Commanders earned them plenty of credit in the bank.
However, former NFL cornerback Domonique Foxworth has since critiqued the Steelers’ status as Super Bowl contenders, expressing doubt about their offensive capabilities despite a strong defense.
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, he said: “When you said legit, that’s the one that makes me go to fiction. If you could say Super Bowl contenders, I’ll be like ‘Yeah, they get in the tournament and maybe they can get hot’.
“But then you say legit that’s like, ‘I assume that they’re going to get there’. No, this team is playing well now. Their defense is going to be good no matter where you put them or who they play against.
“But their offense consists of Russell [Wilson] throwing up contested balls to [George] Pickens and Mike Williams now. And that to me doesn’t feel like much of an offense.”
Foxworth emphasizes that as competition intensifies, the offense must evolve beyond simply relying on deep throws to star receivers. However, there’s room for growth, hinting that perhaps the Steelers’ playoff prospects hinge on improving their balance and execution.
In Wilson’s three starts, the Steelers have averaged 30.3 points and 382.3 yards, placing the offense as the fourth-best in the league and third highest-scoring.
“Our hangup is with their offense, and their offense hasn’t been put in a situation where it has to carry this team,” Foxworth said. “It’s going to happen at some point in this run and certainly in a three-game run to the Super Bowl.
“There’s going to come a situation where you can’t just throw it up to Pickens. And I don’t think anyone believes that this offense is capable of winning that way.”
- Source: https://www.irishstar.com/sport/other-sports/steelers-challenged-superbowl-contender-status-34094396
