Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers, currently leading the AFC North with an 8-2 record, are focusing on improving their red zone offense. Despite their recent victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium, where they won 18-16, the team recognizes the need to score more touchdowns when inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

In last Sunday's game against the Ravens, the Steelers were unable to convert four trips into touchdowns within the red zone and had to rely on six field goals by Chris Boswell. Although they average 27.25 points per game in Russell Wilson's first four starts, their red zone scoring percentage has dropped to 30th in the league, with a touchdown rate of only 44.4% during these opportunities.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith commented on this issue: "You look at -- that's why it's always week-to-week and circumstantial," he said. "But obviously overall, every time you get there (you want a) touchdown."

Quarterback Russell Wilson has managed to compensate for some of these challenges by completing deep passes; however, this strategy was effectively countered by Baltimore's defense last Sunday. Reflecting on his performance against Washington and Baltimore, Wilson stated: "Anytime you get down there, we want to score points."

Despite these offensive struggles in the red zone, Pittsburgh's defense is performing well by allowing opponents a touchdown rate of just 48.3%, ranking eighth-best in the league.

Smith acknowledged that opponents adapt their strategies based on previous games: "They are going to game plan," he noted regarding defensive adjustments made by opposing teams.

On a positive note for Pittsburgh is their ability to consistently score across quarters — having done so for 22 consecutive quarters — which stands as an NFL record this season.

Wilson remains optimistic about improving future performances within close range: "I think that we've done that so far some this year," he expressed regarding successful plays executed earlier during games played thus far.

The upcoming match against Cleveland could present an opportunity for improvement since they rank lower among NFL teams when defending against red-zone attempts from opposing offenses.