Andy Lyons/ It wasn't reflected on the scoreboard, but there's a lot more reason for optimism for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense coming out of this one. Although they scored only 16 points in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals they rolled up a season-high 421 total yards to the Bengals 222 in their first game after firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada. That output snapped a 58-game streak without gaining 400 yards. Tight end Pat Freiermuth showed off the kind of upside he has with nine catches for 120 yards. If this offense figures things out and can support the defense, no team will want to face the Steelers in January.Biggest Weaknesses:- Offensive Tackle
- Wide Receiver
- Interior Defender
Add Now: S Duron Harmon Any game that the Steelers win from here on out is probably reliant on the defense. The unit has been pretty solid all season, but the injuries have mounted at safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick has been injured, Elijah Riley suffered an ankle injury last week and Keanu Neal was placed on injured reserve. Duron Harmon is a veteran with starting experience for the Raiders, Falcons, Lions and Patriots.
CB Ronald Darby, Baltimore Ravens Patrick Peterson has not been the same player he was with the Vikings last season, and Levi Wallace's role has been diminished. In other words, the Steelers are going to need to find a cornerback to pair with Joey Porter Jr. on the outside next season. It's a need that could be filled in the draft but probably needs a veteran addition as well. Ronald Darby has put in a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens and has likely earned himself some cash next season. The Steelers could weaken a division rival while filling a need if they outbid the Ravens for the 29-year-old.
OT Patrick Paul, Houston Broderick Jones is showing every week that he deserves to get snaps as a rookie. Dan Moore Jr. continues to show that he's going to need to be replaced. Jones was initially drafted to be a left tackle, but he's taken the right tackle job from Chukwuma Okorafor. If the Steelers draft Patrick Paul, then Jones may wind up on the left with the Houston Cougar manning the right side. Here's B/R's Brandon Thorn on what Paul brings to the table:
"Paul has elite length with solid movement skills and good play strength. He also brings a nasty, tone-setting demeanor that isn't always present in tackles which makes him especially fun to study on tape. "His strike timing and ability to land his hands inside the frame of defenders is shaky, leading to wide hands on contact and a lack of control that will be pronounced in the pro game. This leads to a sloppy element in his game, but his physical tools are evident, and when he does get his hands in the right spots, the rep is typically over. "Paul will be up and down initially as a pro if he earns a starting role, but the foundation is in place to hold up physically right away, giving him a shot to add polish to his game to stick long-term."
