Steelers' Wide Receiver Situation Would Be Viewed Completely Different If It Weren't For A Mistake By Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of figuring out some serious offensive struggles that have been on display throughout the preseason. The offensive line play has been poor, the quarterback play hasn't been great, and there are still a ton of questions about the wide receivers behind George Pickens. Pittsburgh is still trying to pull off a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to land Brandon Aiyuk, but if that doesn't happen, the Steelers may be in serious trouble at the position once the regular season gets underway.

If the regular season were to start today, it seems as though Van Jefferson would be the second option at receiver behind Pickens. Jefferson is coming off of a disappointing year spent with both the Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons, where he caught just 20 passes for 208 yards. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, where he was asked about the wide receivers and how no one other than Pickens can strike fear in a defense. 

"It's certainly been a small sample size. Pickens and Jefferson aren't out there for all that much here in the first two games. Now listen, would people have a different mindset if Mike Tomlin would have challenged that Van Jefferson catch a couple of weeks ago? Then maybe that drive continues, it would have been a first down. You can say the same thing last week against the Bills if Pickens catches that ball. These guys are in here for only a handful of snaps each game, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin's kryptonite, aside from winning playoff games in recent years, has been knowing how to properly use his challenges. It has been something he has obviously struggled with throughout his coaching tenure. The play Fittipaldo is referring to came during Pittsburgh's first preseason game against the Houston Texans, when Justin Fields hit Jefferson on the sideline for what looked like a completion and a first down. Jefferson was ruled out of bounds by the officials, and the drive was killed.

It seemed like a play that Tomlin should have obviously challenged, but he instead chose not to throw the red flag. Fields even spoke out after the game where he clearly expressed his thoughts, saying that he thought Jefferson came down with the ball in bounds. Tomlin did challenge Pickens' near-catch against the Buffalo Bills, but the ruling on the field stood.

It might sound silly, but had both of those plays gone the opposite way, people's perspective on Pittsburgh's receivers may be slightly different. If Jefferson's attempted catch had been ruled complete, both he and Fields' stat lines would have looked more impressive and the drive would have continued. The starting offense would have had a chance to put some points on the board, which is something they have failed to do all preseason long. 

Fittipaldo seems to be okay with Jefferson taking on the responsibilities of being the number two receiver in Pittsburgh, but many fans would rather see the organization land Aiyuk or another receiver outside of the organization. General Manager Omar Khan had some opportunities to make more meaningful moves at the position during free agency, but passed up on them. That could mean he is confident in the guys he acquired, or he has put all his eggs in one basket when it comes to trading for Aiyuk.

Steelers Could Be Relying On Pat Freiermuth Heavily In The Passing Game

The receiver position for Pittsburgh is weak as a whole outside of Pickens, but they do have a tight end in Pat Freiermuth who is extremely capable of making an impact. Freiermuth has had an up and down career throughout his first three seasons, but has shown serious flashes. He is now in an extremely favorable offense under Arthur Smith, who should be able to put the tight end in ideal situations. 

How do you feel about the Steelers' receiver situation? Do you want to see some additions made? Let us know in the comments below!

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