If you just saw the final score of the Steelers game vs. the Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, you may have said, “S.O.S.O” (Same Old Steelers Offense).

After all, Pittsburgh’s 16-10 victory actually dropped its average points per game from 16.6 to 16.5.

This was why offensive coordinator Matt Canada was abruptly fired last Tuesday, which was the kind of in-season coaching move the organization had not made since before Pearl Harbor?

But if you watched the game, you know better than to think it was the same old Steelers offense that hadn’t totaled 400 yards since Week 2 of the 2020 season–or way back when Matt Canada was the desired choice to replace Randy Fichtner as the offensive coordinator.

That streak was broken on Sunday, thanks to a 421-yard output. Speaking of streaks, Pittsburgh also outgained its opponent for the first time in 2023 (421-222).

“I’m not trying to paint with a broad brush and act like ‘Eureka,'” said Tomlin in his post-game presser. “You know, we did what we needed to do today, and we’ll keep pushing.”

Yes, the Steelers offense clearly has more work to do, but what it did vs. the Bengals on Sunday looked like legit offensive football, the kind a team can build on and win with.

“It’s the NFL. We aren’t going anywhere winning that way.” I’m paraphrasing a bit, but that was what running back Najee Harris told the media after that frustrating 13-10 loss to the Browns on November 19. He was right. The Steelers, despite getting off to a 6-4 start, weren’t going anywhere with how they were trying to win football games through 10 weeks.

You may now have a different feeling after watching the offense perform for the first time with running backs coach Eddie Faulkner acting as the interim offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan acting as the interim play-caller.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett looked different on the very first play when he connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 24-yard pass right over the middle.

That’s right, I said over the middle. There were several of those kinds of throws on display at Paycor Stadium. Pickett performed like Preseason Kenny vs. the Bengals on Sunday. No, he didn’t lead the offense to five touchdowns in as many drives, but he did complete 24 of 33 passes for 278 yards. He averaged 8.4 yards per passing attempt, which is where you want a quarterback to live when it comes to that offensive category.

Pickett was accurate and seemed to stand in the pocket a bit longer. Did he succumb to pressure a few times? Yes, but that happens to the best of them.

The pass protection did seem better, at least on plays in which Cincinnati didn’t blitz.

Freiermuth, who caught nine passes for 120 yards, looked like someone with the capabilities of being a top-five tight end, which has been the goal since Pittsburgh selected him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pickett’s stat line may have read 25 for 34 for 293 yards and a touchdown if receiver Diontae Johnson was able to survive the ground on what should have been a 15-yard score in the first quarter.

I say “should have been” because it still may have been a touchdown had Tomlin challenged the call on the field (Johnson seemed to get three feet down before losing control as he fell out of bounds).

Unfortunately, running back Jaylen Warren fumbled on the next play, and the Steelers walked away with zero points.

Speaking of the ground game, aside from Warren’s fumble, it was another stellar day. The Steelers rushed for 153 yards against Cincinnati’s defense. Harris contributed with 15 carries for 99 yards and the Steelers only touchdown in the third quarter. Warren added 49 yards on 13 carries.

It was probably the dream scenario for Tomlin when it comes to the division of labor for his top two backs–a former first-round pick and a former undrafted free agent.

Back to the passing game.

Johnson added four receptions for 50 yards, while George “Throw me the bleeping ball” Pickens seemed happy after the game even though he only caught three passes for 58 yards.

But it sure beats two catches for minus-one, and that’s the whole point.

Pickens may not have been the leading receiver on Sunday, but he contributed. Johnson may have failed to come up with his second touchdown since 2021, but he contributed.

The Steelers offense looked capable on Sunday. Faulkner/Sullivan seemed to have a plan.

If the unit isn’t careful, it may even develop an identity.

No, Sunday’s game wasn’t a eureka moment. Again, 16 points isn’t going to get it done on a regular basis.

But the offense did perform in such a way that made you think it could be heading in a more positive direction.

Dare I say, the Steelers’ offense looked Sunday-ish for the first time in years.