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When the Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-0, there’s not much to complain about.
Especially on the offensive side of the ball, where the Steelers are fourth in the NFL in points scored per game (29.8). The rebirth of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger brought the Heinz Field scoreboards to life, aided by a superb surrounding cast of passer and a stable of running backs who all showcase their different strengths.
While much of the season remains to be played before a Super Bowl champion can be declared, that hasn’t stopped the conversation about potential road bumps the Steelers may have to overcome to hoist a seventh trophy. Lombardi. Whether it’s a shootout with Patrick Mahomes or a third containment test for Lamar Jackson, there are plenty of roadblocks for Pittsburgh to overcome in order to reach the final destination of Tampa Bay later in February.
Yet as the 2020 regular season begins to draw closer to its conclusion, I’m here to say that Pittsburgh’s biggest roadblock does not exist in Kansas City, nor does it play / train for another. team.
He’s offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner.
I debated writing this article for a handful of weeks. How could I say that with the Steelers rolling in their current form? It almost seemed absurd to put something like this in the ether, because I would either present myself as someone incredibly hateful to Fichtner (I spoke with him in person, nothing less than a man extremely nice) or stand in line with all the other Yinzers who wave their terrible towels a little too loudly every Sunday.
In a recent movie article discussing Pittsburgh’s running game issues, I identified Fichtner as one of the few issues that impedes the Steelers’ ability to execute the ball effectively. While not the only fault, the team have been too complacent in trying to establish ground play against heavily stacked boxes.
The truth is, Fichtner has yet to cost Pittsburgh a game this season. However, the Steelers have had a few games too close for comfort thanks to conservative play calls. The contests against the Titans and Eagles are examples of Fichtner getting off the gas too early as a player, as the Steelers came close to losing 17 and 20 points in the third quarter of each game.
Of course, the Pittsburgh defense should take some of that responsibility. However, when your defense is on the court with little to no rest thanks to constant threes and strikeouts, the play call should take care of these issues as well.
Even in last Sunday’s 27-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fichtner’s love affair with screen passes, draws on second and long, and the ultra-inefficient use of the jet sweep has become frustrating. Often times, it felt like the Steelers were all too predictable in the typical run-run-pass play streak that Fichtner composed.
Sooner or later Fichtner’s senseless efforts could cost the Steelers dearly. It is in my opinion, however, like All steels Editor Noah Strackbein sees it a bit differently:
“Do I think Fichtner’s play appeal can cost the Steelers a game? No. But that’s not about him,” Strackbein said.
“What works so well about the Steelers’ offense is Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to invent plays as you go and the offensive intelligence to know how to work on the fly. Fichtner’s conservative play has haunted the Steelers for years, but it’s bought time and again by Ben’s work. These two work together just like Roethlisberger wants his offense to do, but Fichtner doesn’t do any good. for the Steelers offense. “
Maybe that could be the problem: Fichtner’s troubles were largely overshadowed and even covered up at the end of the day by stellar play of a mix of Roethlisberger and defensive saves near the final whistle.
Is Fichtner going somewhere? Not at all. As Strackbein mentioned above, Fichtner and Roethlisberger are two peas in a pod, which either myself or the Steelers fans would like to recognize. Roethlisberger has all the freedom in the world under Fichtner, and the organization won’t jeopardize the overthrow of his franchise quarterback.
Combine the above reasoning with Pittsburgh’s perfect start, and there’s no reason to believe Fichtner isn’t ready to run the sidelines as long as Roethlisberger stays.
Simply put, things are working. Still, there may come a point in a pivotal game for the Steelers, when the lights are shining brightest and decisions are amplified, where the team won’t be able to get past the guy sending games through the headset.
Is Fichtner the worst offensive coordinator known to man? Absolutely not, and I hope this piece won’t be presented that way. The Steelers can do a lot worse than Fichtner (Anyone Todd Haley?) Yet Fichtner can still improve. Many places. The Steelers offense is one of the most talented groups in the league, but it feels like Fichtner may be the greatest person to hold them back.
The Pittsburgh offensive is a Lamborghini. Randy Fichtner’s gambling appeal is the best drag money can buy.
Donnie Druin is a writer at AllSteelers. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruinand AllSteelers @si_steelers.
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