It’s extremely hard to ignore the excitement around the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. They had a solid draft in April. They’ve remained pretty healthy throughout the summer, had an unbeaten preseason and have looked better than expected. Do I believe this will lead to an improved team from last year or is this team not quite ready to make that jump?
Offense
Kenny Pickett will be a better quarterback than he was in his rookie campaign. He’s already more confident looking and his overall play in Camp and in his preseason action has been outstanding. The regular season will present new and different challenges. Can he elevate his play to match the level of competition? I see no reason why he shouldn’t.
I’m not overly convinced that this tandem backfield of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren is going to split carries the way some believe. Mike Tomlin loves feature backs and I don’t think that will change. Do I think Warren will get more touches? I do but I don’t think it’s going to be as “even” as many believe.
The likelihood that this offensive line will remain healthy as it did all of last week is not high. I’m not convinced the unit has meshed yet especially in pass protection but they’ve looked good in run blocking. I’m not concerned about Broderick Jones not starting yet. If we’re having this conversation this time next year? Then yes, I’m big time concerned. Overall, this should be an above average group again.
The receivers and tight ends will produce. I think Diontae Johnson will have a big year and even score some touchdowns. George Pickens will make highlight reel plays and Pat Freiermuth will be highly dependable. The questions are whether Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III can produce and whether they can stay healthy. I see Darnell Washington being a blocker first in the early going but his role will expand as the season does.
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Defense
I am becoming more and more convinced and more and more concerned that Larry Ogunjobi’s health will dictate the defensive line’s fortunes in 2023. When he played in 2022, the group was excellent. When he didn’t, the group suffered. That’s no knock on Cam Heyward – he’s as dominant as they come – but he will be even better and more effective with a healthy Ogunjobi. Rookie Keeanu Benton has to get quality snaps and those numbers need to grow as the season goes on. The depth is decent with Demarvin Leal, Armon Watts, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Montravious Adams but it has to be just that, depth.
The four outside linebackers are as potentially good as any the Steelers have had in some time. We’ll see quickly how confident they are in Nick Herbig by the amount of snaps he gets but he’s been terrific so far. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith could combine to be the team’s best duo since James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. I fully expect Watt to have a big year after what happened last season.
The inside backers have to be great and that’s not an exaggeration. Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts each have a different skill set that must be utilized at the right times. Teryl Austin has to find the right combinations which also means knowing when to use the run stuffing Mark Robinson too. All four must live up to their expectations and stay healthy as well.
Frankly, the defense will only go as far as the secondary can take it. Patrick Peterson was a great addition but at his age he can’t be expected to play as he did ten years ago. Joey Porter, Jr needs to step up as the season goes on but the addition of Desmond King may give him some more time. Levi Wallace is steady. No more and no less. They key will be who can be the most productive at nickel corner. King could get the chance there if Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan struggle. I honestly have few concerns about Minkah Fitzpatrick or Damontae Kazee. If healthy, they’ll play well off of each other which means another big year for Minkah.
Specialists
Chris Boswell, if history is any guide, should have a great season. Last team he struggled with injuries he bounced back in a big way the following year. He looked terrific in the preseason and I expect it to continue.
Pressley Harvin III survived the challenge by Braden Mann and will be the punter for the third straight season. The biggest thing I need to see him do is get off big kicks that flip the field. He’s struggled to do that and frankly, they can’t be much more patient than they’ve been.
It appears Austin will handle the punt return duties while Anthony McFarland will manage the kick returns. Both must be error free and make good decisions. The fan base is in no hurry to see Gunner Olszewski return punts again.
The Outlook
There is no doubt in my mind the Steelers must get out fast heading into their week six BYE week. While there are opportunities for wins during the middle of the schedule the post Thanksgiving stretch is absolutely brutal. What really concerns me the most is the obvious – health – but that’s a given. The AFC North will be as troublesome as any year I can remember. I can see each team literally going 3-3 while carnage is left in the wake.
As the season progresses, expect wins in situations you may not have and expect losses where wins seemed almost guaranteed. This is a young team and there will be ups and downs. In the end, this season is all about next season when I truly believe the team make a serious jump towards being a Super Bowl contender. For this year however, I see another 9-8 season and as competitive as the AFC will be, that won’t be enough to get into the postseason.
