The Pittsburgh Steelers hit a wall against Chicago on Sunday, and the offense has plenty of issues to unpack.

Today's Hottest Take: DK Metcalf Needs the Football

After arriving in Pittsburgh via an offseason trade, DK Metcalf was supposed to take on a massive role in the offense as the new WR1. Expectations soared even higher after the ensuing departure of George Pickens (more on him later), but he has yet to hit his anticipated production levels. Through 11 games, Metcalf has recorded 42 receptions (T-42nd with Steelers teammate Kenneth Gainwell) on 70 targets (T-37th) for 573 yards (30th). Only one outing over 100 yards this season isn’t enough for the Steelers’ most talented weapon on offense.

Granted, the passing attack has taken a step back due to Aaron Rodgers missing some time with a hand injury. (Case in point: Mason Rudolph threw a bad interception trying to get him the ball during the game on Sunday.) But even with him in the lineup, there should be a greater effort to get the ball in his hands. Metcalf’s ability to work in the middle of the field has gone largely underutilized so far through the season, as has his capability as a deep ball threat. Once Rodgers returns to full health, prioritizing deep balls could unlock a new dimension that this offense sorely needs.

What You Need To Know: Where’s Kaleb Johnson?

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh’s third-round pick out of Iowa, hasn’t been much of a factor in the offense so far this season. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith told the media that Johnson might have a role in the offense “If we have a game where we can call 40 runs” before Sunday’s game. Pittsburgh ran the ball a total of 36 times; Johnson didn’t record a snap. Pittsburgh’s rushing attack has trended towards the bottom of the league for most of the season, managing a respectable 186 yards as a unit against a hobbled Bears defense.

Johnson’s potential was evident during his time at Iowa, where he was a bell-cow back who thrived in a run-heavy offense that held similarities to Smith’s style in the pros. The Steelers can’t afford to give up on Johnson yet, especially if Jaylen Warren’s ankle continues to hamper his production. We’ll see if Johnson can regain Smith’s trust at some point this season, and what the dynamic back can do if given another chance.

Before You Go: Our Ex Looks Fantastic

Mike Tomlin and company were unwilling to deal with George Pickens’ antics or upcoming price tag, dealing the fiery receiver to Dallas after the Metcalf acquisition. While the Steelers have struggled offensively, "NFL Youngboy" is thriving with his new team. Pickens has already eclipsed 1,000 yards and brought in eight touchdowns, threatening to eclipse new teammate Ceedee Lamb as the Cowboys’ WR1.

His antics might have followed him to JerryWorld (two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties so far this year), but given the production and the energy he’s brought to the team, it’s a compromise Dallas is happy to make. While the Georgia product’s fit in Pittsburgh was up for debate, his breakout year isn’t a great look for the Steelers’ front office, especially when compared to their own issues.