How will our offense look in 2024?

[Joel Buchsbaum]

How will our offense look in 2024? Will we pass for many TD's? How often will we use different sets? What's the breakdown? Let's look at the 2023 Atlanta Falcons under Art Smith. There is a ton of data here. I'll commet later. Thoughts?

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2023_splits.htm

[WindyCitySteel]

We're closer in talent to the 2019 Titans, where Smith was the OC, not Atlanta, where he was HC with another gentleman as OC.

[Oviedo]

Our offense will be twice as good at QB if we just get Wilson's performance from last year.

As stated in another thread, with Wilson last year, our offense would have ranked #12 versus #28

[Flasteel]

We're closer in talent to the 2019 Titans, where Smith was the OC, not Atlanta, where he was HC with another gentleman as OC.

This is a very important consideration. An offense being run by Desmond Ridder is just going to be functionally different in terms of pass/run selection and the type of routes they lean on...not to mention efficiency.

I think we're going to see a Steeler offense that sets the tone with the running game. I'm of the opinion that by mid-season the Steelers O-line will be considered one of the best in the league and they will be mauling people. It might be a projection, but it's being based off of some bonafide talent. As long as both Harris and Warren stay healthy, I think they are going to have career years. That is going to make play-action a huge part of this offense - particularly with moon shots to Pickens and quick passes to the TE's on drags or down the seam. That is one critical element the offense has been missing for the past three years that we will likely noticeably see.

I believe the talent infusion along the line will lead to a more punishing and consistent running attack while the upgrade at QB will lead to a more efficient passing game. I also fully expect the Steelers to have packages for Fields and use some Wildcat with both Fields and Wilson on the field at the same time. I'm of the opinion they must evaluate him in game situations to inform their 2025 decision-making - and you can't let a guy with that kind of skillset languish on the bench. I think it will be an exciting wrinkle that will have a ripple-effect on the rest of the offense.

[Oviedo]

This is a very important consideration. An offense being run by Desmond Ridder is just going to be functionally different in terms of pass/run selection and the type of routes they lean on...not to mention efficiency.

I think we're going to see a Steeler offense that sets the tone with the running game. I'm of the opinion that by mid-season the Steelers O-line will be considered one of the best in the league and they will be mauling people. It might be a projection, but it's being based off of some bonafide talent. As long as both Harris and Warren stay healthy, I think they are going to have career years. That is going to make play-action a huge part of this offense - particularly with moon shots to Pickens and quick passes to the TE's on drags or down the seam. That is one critical element the offense has been missing for the past three years that we will likely noticeably see.

I believe the talent infusion along the line will lead to a more punishing and consistent running attack while the upgrade at QB will lead to a more efficient passing game. I also fully expect the Steelers to have packages for Fields and use some Wildcat with both Fields and Wilson on the field at the same time. I'm of the opinion they must evaluate him in game situations to inform their 2025 decision-making - and you can't let a guy with that kind of skillset languish on the bench. I think it will be an exciting wrinkle that will have a ripple-effect on the rest of the offense.

Desmond Ridder was from the same terrible QB draft as Pickett. Arthur Smith probably didn't want more of the same.

[NorthCoast]

I like to deal in numbers:

Avg Defensive rank* faced by RWilson in 2023 = 15.6; Wilson faced a top 15 defense in 7 out of 12 games (58%)

Avg Defensive rank* faced by the KP in 2023 = 14.9; Pickett faced a top 15 defense in 8 out of 12 games (67%)

* points against

[Flasteel]

I like to deal in numbers:

Avg Defensive rank* faced by RWilson in 2023 = 15.6; Wilson faced a top 15 defense in 7 out of 12 games (58%)

Avg Defensive rank* faced by the KP in 2023 = 14.9; Pickett faced a top 15 defense in 8 out of 12 games (67%)

* points against

I like numbers too! Okay...I really hate math but thought that sounded cool. Here's some numbers to add more color:

Kenny Pickett in those 12 games - 2,070 yards 62.0 % comp. 6 TDs 4 Ints 87.1 QB rating

Russell Wilson in his 12 games - 3,070 yards 66.4 % comp. 26 TDs 8 Ints 104.4 QB rating

[Captain Lemming]

This is a very important consideration. An offense being run by Desmond Ridder is just going to be functionally different in terms of pass/run selection and the type of routes they lean on...not to mention efficiency.

I think we're going to see a Steeler offense that sets the tone with the running game. I'm of the opinion that by mid-season the Steelers O-line will be considered one of the best in the league and they will be mauling people. It might be a projection, but it's being based off of some bonafide talent. As long as both Harris and Warren stay healthy, I think they are going to have career years. That is going to make play-action a huge part of this offense - particularly with moon shots to Pickens and quick passes to the TE's on drags or down the seam. That is one critical element the offense has been missing for the past three years that we will likely noticeably see.

I believe the talent infusion along the line will lead to a more punishing and consistent running attack while the upgrade at QB will lead to a more efficient passing game. I also fully expect the Steelers to have packages for Fields and use some Wildcat with both Fields and Wilson on the field at the same time. I'm of the opinion they must evaluate him in game situations to inform their 2025 decision-making - and you can't let a guy with that kind of skillset languish on the bench. I think it will be an exciting wrinkle that will have a ripple-effect on the rest of the offense.

Frankly I have far less confidence in the line than you do. I think:
1. Troy will struggle for most of the year as a rookie at a new position.

2. Center will be no better than average, likely struggling for a time before settling at average. The guards are only modestly better than average right now.
3. Jones will have a nice season 2 jump. By seasons end he will be making real noise.

If we are a little better than average I think it is a win. Great? Highly unlikely especially with so much youth and only two guards returning as starters at their positions.

[WindyCitySteel]

This is a very important consideration. An offense being run by Desmond Ridder is just going to be functionally different in terms of pass/run selection and the type of routes they lean on...not to mention efficiency.

I think we're going to see a Steeler offense that sets the tone with the running game. I'm of the opinion that by mid-season the Steelers O-line will be considered one of the best in the league and they will be mauling people. It might be a projection, but it's being based off of some bonafide talent. As long as both Harris and Warren stay healthy, I think they are going to have career years. That is going to make play-action a huge part of this offense - particularly with moon shots to Pickens and quick passes to the TE's on drags or down the seam. That is one critical element the offense has been missing for the past three years that we will likely noticeably see.

I believe the talent infusion along the line will lead to a more punishing and consistent running attack while the upgrade at QB will lead to a more efficient passing game. I also fully expect the Steelers to have packages for Fields and use some Wildcat with both Fields and Wilson on the field at the same time. I'm of the opinion they must evaluate him in game situations to inform their 2025 decision-making - and you can't let a guy with that kind of skillset languish on the bench. I think it will be an exciting wrinkle that will have a ripple-effect on the rest of the offense.

Mount Washington should be a regular as the inline TE/6th OL. Would be fun to watch.

[Captain Lemming]

Mount Washington should be a regular as the inline TE/6th OL. Would be fun to watch.

I do agree that Washington can help impact our run blocking greatly which might net an overall superior run blocking game. His contribution might be huge.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Our offense will be twice as good at QB if we just get Wilson's performance from last year.

As stated in another thread, with Wilson last year, our offense would have ranked #12 versus #28

Where are you getting this data from?

Denver's offense ranked 19th in total points.

Denver's offense ranked 24th is total passing yards at just 209.8 yards per game.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I like to deal in numbers:

Avg Defensive rank* faced by RWilson in 2023 = 15.6; Wilson faced a top 15 defense in 7 out of 12 games (58%)

Avg Defensive rank* faced by the KP in 2023 = 14.9; Pickett faced a top 15 defense in 8 out of 12 games (67%)

* points against

Me too! Some real Russel Wilson #'s.

Total passing yardage = Worst in his career.

Yard per attempt = Worst in his carrer. Only 6.9 yards per attempt.

Wilson takes a lot of sacks and has high amout of fumbles ( 10 last year ). He struggles to pass it well over the middle.

He has reach his past his prime stage and now longer runs or throws the deep ball like he used to.

-JB

[NorthCoast]

Frankly I have far less confidence in the line than you do. I think:
1. Troy will struggle for most of the year as a rookie at a new position.

2. Center will be no better than average, likely struggling for a time before settling at average. The guards are only modestly better than average right now.
3. Jones will have a nice season 2 jump. By seasons end he will be making real noise.

If we are a little better than average I think it is a win. Great? Highly unlikely especially with so much youth and only two guards returning as starters at their positions.

Probably not too far from the truth Captain. Couple that with the Steelers penchant for slow starts to the season (Tomlin likes to move people around in the first month, mostly on defense).
This is one reason why some analysts think the Steelers will sink to the basement of the AFCN.

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Frankly I have far less confidence in the line than you do. I think:
1. Troy will struggle for most of the year as a rookie at a new position.

2. Center will be no better than average, likely struggling for a time before settling at average. The guards are only modestly better than average right now.
3. Jones will have a nice season 2 jump. By seasons end he will be making real noise.

If we are a little better than average I think it is a win. Great? Highly unlikely especially with so much youth and only two guards returning as starters at their positions.

My glass is half full.

We are replacing a turd at center with a smart & talented rookie.

If Troy F starts, so be it. If he does not, a C- tackle ( Moore jr ) keeps his job for the time being. I think Troy wll struggle a bit in the transition from college to pro. I think Frazier is NFL ready!

Jones is ready to be a good starting tackle. And don't forget our super athletic and strong rookie jack rabbit guard either.

For me, the sonner the young guys start, the better off the unit will be. Things are trending up.

[Iron City Inc.]

Mount Washington should be a regular as the inline TE/6th OL. Would be fun to watch.

This 2nd year player showed us a year ago he has a unique set of skills both receiving and blocking.
Lets review his blocking for a moment. If you watched closely in 23 you'll see when he was the X we would see he was a bit late out of his stance and got out positioned to make the blocks needed at the POA. He excelled in his blocking when he was off set and got a better angle and had the ability to take a step and get that big body moving and once he locked on he was $$$.
So from a coaching standpoint how do you help him improve and max his skills? As he learns the playbook better there will be less hesitation in knowing the play and that should help with the initial quickness off the snap. However formations and movement will help DW to use his skills better. In 12 you can use him a bit more like a H back and motion him a bit to a stack position and or split out positions. This will allow him to get that big frame moving and road grade a bit.
DW with a year in our system will be better in 24. He will be much better if we use him in ways to maximize that skill set. Quickly as a receiver he showed at Latrobe he has enough speed for a TE and good hands. ILB's could not stay with him on sail routes at camp last year. He consistently won on that type of route against man coverage. Once Smith gets to see the potential here DW will become more involved in the passing game. This is the type of player you want chipping off the edge and then using his receiving skills to help us move the chains. A good watch at camp will be DW going against both Queen n Wilson down the field in the passing game. Talent vs talent. Get the popcorn ready.