Pittsburgh's Red Zone Problem: OC Promises Changes

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s likely part of the reason Aaron Rodgers seemed frustrated after the Steelers most lopsided win in his time with the team. Two trips inside the red zone, at the eight and two-yard lines specifically in the first half, ending in a pair of field goals. What the Steelers offensive coordinator said about it moving forward.

Let’s set up both situations first.

First play of the second quarter, up 7-0, Steelers were first down at the Browns two-yard line.

• Fade again incomplete to DK Metcalf
• Another pass, receivers covered, thrown away
• Now a run, Jaylen Warren for no gain

Next possession, up 7-3, Steelers were first down at the Browns eight-yard line

• Another pass attempt, well covered, thrown away
• Pass for Darnell Washington, incomplete
• Rodgers sacked for a loss of 11 yards

Head coach Mike McCarthy even admitted to mistakes in the first sequence immediately after the game.

“That series there, I wish I could have those three plays back,” McCarthy said. “Definitely, those are things that you go back and you look at. But yes, I wish I had that sequence back.”

It was a similar situation at Tampa Bay, although with that scenario taking time off the clock was a consideration as well.

Steelers won those games, but it doesn’t mean it’s the right call to continue to throw down there, especially with the identity of the team being run-first, at least as it stands right now.

Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said it’s being addressed.

“Do we have the right plays down there?” Angelichio said. “Are we putting our players in the best position to be successful? Are we missing out on some ops in the right game?”

Angelichio mentioned a run-pass option, making checks at the line. He said they are ‘hunting all of those things’ and while the players left on Monday afternoon, the coaches were sticking around to discuss areas of improvement.

A division leading team, the Steelers are converting only 50% of its red zone opportunities into touchdowns, that is barely ahead of the winless Chargers (47%) near the bottom of the NFL.

“We have to be better down there, absolutely,” Angelichio said.

The games going forward will only get tougher and the margin for error slimmer. These words have to turn into different actions.