Former Player Rips Steelers Wide Receiver Group

One former Pittsburgh Steelers player has strong words about their receivers' efforts.

PITTSBURGH -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Meril Hoge sees a lot of problems in the team's current offense, and during an appearance on the WDVE Morning Show, he didn't hold back when pointing out a few. 

While most of the fanbase and media are directing the blame for the Steelers struggles at offensive coordinator Matt Canada, Hoge sent a reminder that there is plenty of blame to go around, and that position groups are not playing up to par through two games. 

With the wide receivers, he was baffled. 

"You got people jogging on your routes and they’re late, okay?" Hoge said. "So that has an effect on your quarterback. I’m telling you, I see nobody with a sense of urgency on the perimeter. When they go run routes, I’m like oh my gosh, this is terrible. This is not pro football. These are not pro players when they run routes like that."

Hoge didn't provide any specific plays, but continued to slam the group's effort. 

"You’ve got guys drifting into routes," Hoge said. "I’ve never seen a drifter. Where a guy is going to hitch at 10 yards and he starts backpedaling at five and drifting to ten. I’m like, ‘what is that?'"

As a member of the team's scouting department, Hoge's words are important, and worrisome for those who watch. His thoughts on film are one the team trusts, and therefore, his criticism is valuable. 

Until Diontae Johnson returns from a hamstring injury, it'll be important for Pittsburgh's receiving core to step up for their quarterback. 

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