Steelers Offense Stagnant as Rodgers Struggles
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Pittsburgh's scoring drought continues as Aaron Rodgers faces a Bengals defense that has surged in efficiency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 3 facing a systemic offensive crisis, as CBS Sports first reported. According to the outlet, the Pittsburgh attack is "archaic," characterized by a lack of explosive plays and a slow pace. This struggle was evident in a 20-3 loss to the Patriots, a game in which Aaron Rodgers managed only three points—tying the lowest total he has ever scored in a game he started and finished.
Through the first two weeks of the season, CBS Sports reports that the Steelers rank in the bottom three of the NFL in several key categories: points per game (11.5), yards per game (249.5), yards per play (3.8), and a third-down conversion rate of 20%. The team is also tied for 28th in red zone touchdown efficiency at 33.3%.
Rodgers has struggled specifically with the deep ball, going 0-for-11 on throws of 20-plus air yards, including 0-for-6 when targeting DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh now faces a Cincinnati Bengals defense that has significantly improved from its 30th-place scoring rank last year. CBS Sports notes the Bengals currently rank eighth in points per game allowed (16.5) and have recorded at least eight sacks and four takeaways through two games, a feat not achieved by the franchise since 1995.