Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex did not hold back on the Steelers struggling offense. Despite five forced turnovers by the defense, the Steelers managed to score only 21 points and beat New England by just seven.
“Since Ben, No matter how great a QB was prior to getting to Pitt, they all end up looking exactly the same. Short pass, short pass, deep bomb down the sideline. Rarely attack the middle. Every defense gets excited when they play the Steelers. It’s easy,” Essex wrote on X.
Since Ben, No matter how great a QB was prior to getting to Pitt, they all end up looking exactly the same. Short pass, short pass, deep bomb down the sideline. Rarely attack the middle. Every defense gets excited when they play the Steelers. It’s easy.
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) September 21, 2025
Essex thinks the offense has no identity right now. They don’t run the ball well and their passing game is stagnant. Running back Jaylen Warren led the Steelers in receiving yards against the Patriots with five receptions for 34 yards.
“We have not identified what we do well. 0 identity,” Essex said. “We adjust to the defense. They are supposed to adjust to us. It starts up front, but in general, we play a scary brand of offense that doesn’t dictate anything. We react.
We have not identified what we do well. 0 identity. We adjust to the defense. They are supposed to adjust to us. It starts up front, but in general, we play a scary brand of offense that doesn’t dictate anything. We react. https://t.co/1JE6UQbuHg
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) September 21, 2025
Essex also criticized the offensive line. To say the least, the OL has been disappointing through three games. No one has really played well. Essex thinks the mindset up front is not where it needs to be.
“I fire up the All-22 to begin breaking down film this morning. Had to stop and woooosahhh for a minute after getting to the 1st offensive play. 1st down, QB under center….im not sure when this became a thing, but it frustrates the hell out of me….why in the hell is everyone but Zach & Mason in a 2 point stance on a weak zone run? Off jump you are giving the defenders leverage. Had we not gotten the penalty, we would have started the game off with a negative play. Basics,” Essex wrote on X.
I fire up the All-22 to begin breaking down film this morning. Had to stop and woooosahhh for a minute after getting to the 1st offensive play. 1st down, QB under center….im not sure when this became a thing, but it frustrates the hell out of me….why in the hell is everyone… pic.twitter.com/yrzrkS96Il
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) September 22, 2025
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers OL Thinks Offense Has No Identity: ‘We Play a Scary Brand of Offense’
