PITTSBURGH – Five games into the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers head into their Week 6 bye with a 2–3 record and an offense that has shown far more promise than the standings indicate. While inconsistency has defined the early stretch, the statistical output tells a very different story. What lies underneath is an offense that is explosive, productive, balanced, and improving at a rapid pace. As the Steelers regroup for the second phase of the season, it is time for a complete analytical look at how this unit has performed through the first 5 games.
Desmond Ridder: A Top Tier Producer Hidden Behind a Losing Record
The quarterback position has sparked debate around the league, but the data is unmistakable. Desmond Ridder has been one of the most productive passers in the PML through 5 games.
Ridder has thrown for 1,548 yards, completing 120 of 169 passes for a 71% completion rate. He has recorded 13 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and carries a 110.2 NFL Passer Rating. He is averaging 309.6 passing yards per game with an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt. His longest completion sits at 63 yards, proof that he is attacking every level of the field.
These are not the numbers of a struggling quarterback. These are the numbers of a player operating with confidence and rhythm. The only blemish on Ridder’s resume has been situational miscues, many of which Coach DK LaFleur has already taken responsibility for, citing user error, missed reads in high-pressure moments, or protection breakdowns that forced throws quicker than desired.
Ridder’s statistical profile is that of a quarterback fully capable of carrying a contender offense. Now, the focus shifts toward reducing turnovers and pairing his elite production with consistently clean execution.
Kaleb Johnson: A Second-Year Phenomenon Already Arriving
If there is a breakout star of the Steelers’ season so far, it is running back Kaleb Johnson. In only 2 games, Johnson has logged 37 carries for 275 yards, averaging an incredible 7.4 yards per carry. He has scored 4 rushing touchdowns and has a long run of 33 yards as well.
Johnson has also forced 5 broken tackles and produced 57 yards after contact, showing both explosion and physicality. His combination of size, acceleration, and balance gives the Steelers the home-run threat they have lacked for years. The coaching staff has already labeled him a rising superstar, and every statistical measure supports that claim.
Nate Carter: The Reliable Workhorse
While Johnson provides the flash, second-year back Nate Carter continues to bring stability and physical running between the tackles and as an elusive back. Carter has 39 carries for 178 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry with 1 touchdown.
He has matched Johnson with 5 broken tackles and added 48 yards after contact, giving Pittsburgh consistent production on early downs and short-yardage situations. Carter and Johnson form one of the most balanced backfield duos in the league, combining finesse and power in a way that keeps defenses off balance.
Amon Ra St. Brown: The Alpha Receiver
The statistical leader of the receiving corps is Amon Ra St. Brown, who continues to produce as one of the top wideouts in the PML. St. Brown has 28 receptions for 453 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per catch and 90.6 yards per game, along with 4 touchdowns.
His 111 yards after catch highlight his playmaking ability, and he remains Ridder’s most trusted target. Every week he delivers WR1 production, and his presence forces opposing defenses to tilt coverage in his direction.
Jonnu Smith: The Perfect Complement in the Middle
Tight end Jonnu Smith has been one of the Steelers’ most efficient weapons. Smith has 21 receptions for 363 yards, averaging 17.3 yards per catch and 72.6 yards per game. His 177 yards after catch showcase his ability to gain separation and run through defenders.
Smith’s role as a seam-stretcher has unlocked the middle of the field, giving Ridder the ability to punish linebackers and safeties who overcommit to stopping St. Brown on the outside.
Alec Pierce: The Red Zone Specialist
Alec Pierce has emerged as the Steelers’ most lethal scoring threat inside the 20. Pierce has 15 receptions for 216 yards, averaging 14.4 yards per catch, and leads the team with 5 receiving touchdowns. He consistently wins contested catches and provides Ridder with a reliable target in scoring situations.
His presence has been especially important in balancing the passing game, forcing defenses to account for a true jump-ball threat opposite St. Brown.
DK Metcalf and the Supporting Cast
DK Metcalf has contributed 19 receptions for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns, drawing coverage that opens space for the rest of the receiving unit. His ability to win physical routes has been valuable even in weeks where his numbers are quieter than usual.
Kaleb Johnson and Nate Carter have also contributed through the air, combining for over 260 receiving yards, giving the Steelers dependable check-down and screen options.
The Big Picture: An Offense Ready to Erupt
Through 5 games, the Steelers offense has produced:
- A top tier quarterback by pure numbers
- A breakout rookie running back averaging elite efficiency
- A WR1 producing nearly 100 yards per game
- A tight end playing at an All Pro level
- A red zone receiver with 5 TDs
- Two running backs offering versatility and physicality
The numbers say this offense is built to dominate. The pieces are there. The production is there. The explosiveness is there.
What the Steelers need now is consistency. Fewer turnovers. Cleaner protection. Better situational execution. If those corrections are made coming out of the bye, Pittsburgh has the statistical makeup of a top offense capable of fueling a deep playoff push.
The bye week arrives at the perfect time. The talent is in place. The production is real. Now the Steelers must take the next step.
This offense is ready, and if the numbers are any indication, the league may not be ready for what comes next.
– Forged In Steel Times
