The style of passing game that the Pittsburgh Steelers deployed for the 2020 season proved to be unsustainable, relying upon wide receivers to make plays after the catch on a far too consistent basis, including on third-down situations. It worked for most of the season, but over time, defenses adjusted and played for the short, quick passes.
Part of the problem was that, while Ben Roethlisberger was still throwing the ball down the field, he was not connecting. He was among the league leaders in deep pass attempts, but put up only middling numbers in terms of production, even if you factor in defensive pass interference penalties drawn.