The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2024 regular season, and with it being the team’s first game fans’ hopes were high heading into the new season. The hope is there is a winning performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 1 when the team travels to play the Atlanta Falcons in Georgia.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to claim their first victory of 2024? Let’s break it down on the offensive side of the ball…

Offense

Run the ball

In 2023 the Steelers ranked 13th in rushing yards per game, averaging 118.2 yards per game. When you consider the amount of change on the team’s offensive line, getting the running game going will be paramount in Atlanta. The ability to run the ball will do more than just help a young and inexperienced offensive line, but set up the rest of the offense as Arthur Smith wants to use play-action to equate in big plays for the offense.

Depending on who is the quarterback, the Steelers getting someone like Justin Fields on the edge with the option to run or throw is going to be an important part of the process. It all starts with establishing the run, and the Steelers’ trio of backs, Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson, all provide a unique skill set which can help impose their will on the Falcons defense,

Give the QB time

Speaking of the offensive line, run blocking is obviously only half of the battle. Keeping the quarterback clean will also be important. What might not be realized by most is just how long both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields held onto the ball last season. According to Next Gen Stats Justin Fields held the ball the longest before throwing of any quarterback in the league (3.2 seconds), with Wilson not too far behind at 3.06 seconds.

In other words, these are not your three-step drop and throw quarterbacks. They are the drop back, read the field, run around and make a play. Quarterbacks all have their own style, but the offensive line will have to give either quarterback time to do what they do to lead to success.

Don’t squander opportunities

When it comes to opportunities, you should know what I’m talking about. Drives which get into the red-zone, or a turnover which sets up the offense with prime field position. How many times have we seen the Steelers offense fall flat when it matters most and have to settle for a Chris Boswell field goal?

Too many times to remember.

In 2023 the Steelers ranked 25th in red-zone touchdown conversions, converting at 48.49%, and this was a step back from 2022 where they converted at 51.92%. If the Steelers want to improve upon their points per game, this red-zone statistic will be vital. Cash in when it matters most with touchdowns, not field goals,

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the latest episode of “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!