Checking the football down is often viewed as a negative in today’s NFL. It’s believed to show a lack of aggression in the passing game and a lack of belief in oneself under center.
Pittsburgh dealt with it quite a bit the last two seasons with Kenny Pickett. The former Steelers quarterback checked the ball down a ton to running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, and even tight end Pat Freiermuth, limiting the ability to rack up explosive plays offensively.
Now, the Steelers are seeming in line to deal with checkdowns from the quarterback again, thanks to the addition of Russell Wilson.