Pittsburgh, PA, Former Steelers head coach and Hall of Famer Bill Cowher didn’t hold back in his postgame remarks following the Steelers’ 10-25 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night, a defeat that highlighted ongoing problems with Pittsburgh’s offensive unit.
Just a week after a 27-20 win over the Colts, a game that already showed major offensive inconsistencies, the Steelers’ attack once again failed to find rhythm, generating just 243 total yards
and converting only 3 of 13 third downs. The performance has reignited concerns among fans and analysts about the team’s offensive play-calling and execution.
Cowher, who led Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl title in 2006, said he was frustrated watching what he described as an “uninspired and directionless” offense that seemed out of sync for most of the night.
“This offense has no identity right now,” Cowher said. “You can’t win games in the NFL by hoping your defense bails you out every week. The play-calling is flat, the execution is off, and there’s no sense of urgency. This isn’t Steelers football, it’s not even close.”
The legendary coach didn’t hold back when breaking down the Chargers game, pointing out missed blocks, poor protection, and a lack of creativity in the passing attack.
Cowher’s criticism echoed what fans saw on the field. The Steelers’ offense struggled from the opening drive,
failing to score a touchdown until late in the third quarter and averaging just 4.1 yards per play. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers faced relentless pressure from the Chargers’ pass rush, being sacked
four times and forced into two turnovers, including a costly red-zone interception.
Off the receiver and into the hands of Donte Jackson for the Chargers’ 2nd INT of the night
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The run game wasn’t much better. Despite early attempts to establish Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh’s rushing attack managed only
61 yards total, with no consistency between drives. Missed assignments on the offensive line and stalled drives in key third-down situations left the defense constantly on the field.
Defensively, however, the Steelers showed resilience. Led by
T.J. Watt and Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh’s defense held the Chargers to just one offensive touchdown in the first half and forced two fumbles, though both were recovered by Los Angeles. Still, fatigue set in late, and the Chargers capitalized with long drives in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.
“If it weren’t for this defense,” Cowher added, “the scoreboard would’ve read 40-10, not 25-10. Those guys on defense are giving everything they have, Watt, Heyward, Wilson, they’re the only reason this game stayed competitive.”
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While critical of the offense, Cowher also expressed confidence that the issues can still be fixed if the coaching staff steps up and makes adjustments. He ended his comments with a pointed but hopeful message for
head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Mike’s one of the best motivators I’ve ever seen,” Cowher said. “But now it’s time to stop motivating and start fixing. This team still has a shot, if they find the courage to change what’s broken.”
Cowher’s words struck a chord across Steelers Nation, reflecting the frustration of fans who know that Pittsburgh’s defense can only carry the team so far without a functioning offense to match its intensity.
