Ex-Steelers Coach Says Pittsburgh Is Still ‘Skill Guy Away’ After Quiet Trade Deadline originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley believes the team is closer to competing for a championship than its lack of activity at the NFL trade deadline might suggest. However, he also sees a familiar problem that could prevent Pittsburgh from making a deep postseason run.
Advertisement
Pittsburgh entered Tuesday’s deadline with a 6-2 record and an obvious need for another offensive playmaker. Despite the opportunity to add a weapon for Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers made no acquisitions.
“I don’t like to disrupt the chemistry of the team and things like that, but this year, I really thought this would be the time,” Haley told 93.7 The Fan. “I think the Steelers are very, very close, but they’re a receiver, skill guy away, in my opinion.”
Haley’s assessment highlights Pittsburgh’s potential limitations against stronger competition. The Steelers rank 21st in offensive expected points added per play against man coverage, an area where another receiver capable of winning one-on-one matchups could have helped Rodgers.
Advertisement
“It just feels like, now, even if we have a good team and make it to the playoffs, it’s kind of gonna be the same thing,” Haley said. “When you start to go against the big boys, you’re gonna be a little shorthanded.”
Haley also pointed to the Jacksonville Jaguars as an example of a team willing to make aggressive moves to strengthen its postseason chances. Jacksonville acquired safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Jordan Davis ahead of the deadline, making multiple investments in its defense.
The Jaguars’ approach stood in contrast to Pittsburgh’s decision to stand pat. While the Steelers believe their current roster can compete, Jacksonville demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice future draft capital to address immediate needs.
Advertisement
“I think the really bitter thing, to me, is to see Jacksonville go out and do the things they did specifically, when they’re already a good team to say, ‘We got the quarterback. Let’s do it,'” Haley said.
That comparison is particularly relevant for Pittsburgh because of Rodgers’ presence. The veteran quarterback is playing on a short-term timeline, making the current season an opportunity the organization cannot necessarily assume it will have again.
Haley believes the Steelers should be more aggressive in that situation rather than placing too much emphasis on preserving future draft assets.
“The Steelers are playing with Aaron Rodgers. They believe he’s the quarterback. Now, what happens after this year does not really matter, I don’t think, in this day and age,” Haley said. “There are ways to regroup and figure things out. It’s not the old days of where you build completely through the draft. You better add the talent you need.”
Advertisement
Pittsburgh’s decision to act at the trade deadline does not necessarily mean the team cannot make a postseason run. However, it places more responsibility on Rodgers and the existing offensive playmakers to elevate their production against tougher competition.
More Steelers
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
