The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching. It’s an opportunity for teams to better themselves and improve holes in their rosters. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver looks like their biggest need. DK Metcalf has been as advertised, but they don’t have great depth behind him. However, Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t believe the Steelers should desperately try to trade for another receiver.
“At the moment, I don’t think that’s necessary,” Roethlisberger said Tuesday on his Footbahlin’ podcast. “What is your goal of getting a second receiver right now? I don’t know what our averages are, but it feels like we’re scoring 30 points a game. That’s a goal. Do you want 300-plus yards passing per game or do you want a consistent offense that is scoring points, that is balanced?
“Because I’m sure we’re relatively balanced. Right now, it doesn’t seem to me like the offense is the issue… Would another receiver come in and be helpful? Yeah, but it’s not like we’re throwing the ball all over the field.”
Roethlisberger is correct that the Steelers have looked alright offensively this year, especially recently. They started with a bang in Week 1, when Aaron Rodgers threw for almost 25o yards and four touchdowns. While the Steelers’ offense has had some sluggish moments since then, it’s steadily improved.
Take their run game, for example. For the first few weeks of the season, the Steelers struggled to run the ball. However, they’ve rushed for at least 100 yards in each of their last three games.
That’s a credit to their offensive line, which also hasn’t allowed a sack in the Steelers’ last two games. Their offense is averaging 25 points per game, barely outside the top 10. That unit has had issues at times, but it looks fine overall.
It’s the Steelers’ defense that’s been the problem. That group has severely underwhelmed. It was supposed to be one of the league’s best, but it’s fallen short in multiple areas. That includes defending the pass, stopping the run, and rushing the passer.
Additionally, the Steelers’ style of offense isn’t based around throwing the football. Arthur Smith’s scheme centers on running the ball. Even if the Steelers get another receiver, that philosophy isn’t going to change. Their current weapons have done enough to make them a competent offense.
Therefore, Roethlisberger might have a point that the Steelers don’t need to trade for another receiver. That wouldn’t solve their defensive woes. Could it improve their team? Yes, but maybe not drastically.
Perhaps they’d land one of the big fish that would instantly give their offense enough of a boost to mask their defensive issues. However, making a deal like that wouldn’t be easy. The Steelers might be better off trying to figure out what the problem is with their defense.
