Omar Khan Defends Steelers’ Offense Amid Calls for Change

Pittsburgh GM Pushes Back on Criticism While Acknowledging Need for Improvement

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has been a consistent source of frustration for fans in recent years, struggling to keep pace with modern NFL schemes. Despite flashes of potential, the unit has often fallen short when it matters most.

At the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Steelers general manager Omar Khan addressed concerns about the team’s offensive struggles, pushing back against claims that the system lacks innovation while also admitting there’s work to be done.

Khan Pushes Back on Narrative

When asked about criticism from the fanbase regarding the offense’s lack of modernization, Khan didn’t fully accept the premise.

“I’m not sure I’d agree with the first part of your question,” Khan said. “But I’ll just say we weren’t good enough. We have to adjust, we have to get better. We weren’t good enough.”

That statement alone signals that change is coming, even if the organization doesn’t fully agree with the outside perception of its offensive philosophy.

A Season of Missed Opportunities

The Steelers showed signs of progress late in the season, particularly after their 44-point explosion against the Cincinnati Bengals that brought them to 9-3. However, the momentum quickly faded. In five of their last six games, the offense failed to surpass 20 points, and Pittsburgh stumbled into the playoffs with a 10-7 record before bowing out against the Ravens.

Key Areas for Improvement

If the Steelers truly want to modernize their offense and compete at a higher level, several changes are necessary:

• Upgrading the Quarterback Position: The team must find the right signal-caller who can elevate the offense, whether through internal development or external additions.
• Adding More Reliable Receivers: One dependable target isn’t enough. Pittsburgh needs multiple receiving threats to stretch defenses and create opportunities.
• Revamping the Run Game: The Steelers ranked 24th in rushing efficiency and 28th in success rate. A more dynamic ground attack is crucial for sustained offensive success.

Looking Ahead

Khan’s comments suggest that the Steelers are aware of their offensive shortcomings, even if they don’t fully embrace the criticism. Whether that translates into real, tangible improvements remains to be seen. With an offseason of key decisions ahead, Pittsburgh’s ability to address these concerns could determine whether they remain stuck in mediocrity or finally take the next step forward.