3 big (kind of) changes we want to see from the Steelers offense in 2021

If we’ve learned anything over the last decade in the NFL it’s that teams that win must evolve. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been consistent over the last decade but not in the best ways. Part of this is because head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t really a guy who likes to make big sweeping changes.

But with only one year of Ben Roethlisberger, it is time for Tomlin to put his pride aside and update his philosophy to keep the team competitive in the strongest division in football.

Running back by committee

(AP Photo/Don Wright)

Tomlin has always stuck to the idea that his starting running back is the bell cow and they get the carries. We say Tomlin basically run the wheels off of Le'Veon Bell and James Conner with this philosophy and now he has Najee Harris to do the same. But he shouldn't. The Steelers have Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. on the roster with NFL experience and he should not expect a rookie to come into the league and maintain his point of view on running backs.

Throw to the tight end

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

It has been excusable for the Steelers to make the tight end position an afterthought in the past but not anymore. With Eric Ebron and Pat Freiermuth on the roster there is no excuse not to incorporate them into the offense more, especially on possession downs.

Much more no huddle

(AP Photo/Don Wright)

This feels like the easiest switch and the most impactful now that Randy Fichtner is gone. Give Ben Roethlisberger the opportunity to use tempo and rhythm to keep opposing defenses off balance and keep the chains moving.

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