If you talk with most NFL players, you’ll get little consensus on the best time for a BYE week. Some like it early when they are still relatively unscathed and can actually enjoy those couple of days off. Others however prefer it later when the body is in desperate need of some rest and recovery. The Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 have their week off relatively early in week six, but it’s those first five games that they have to navigate successfully because the end of the schedule is just down-right brutal.
The Steelers will face off with the Ravens in a week 5 matchup just before the BYE. Maryland sportsbook promos will be useful if you’re looking to get in on the action. Prior to that game however, the Steeles will have back-to-back games to at home to start the season against San Francisco and Cleveland. Then they’ll have back-to-back road games against Las Vegas and Houston.
“I think we have the right guys back,” said Ogunjobi. “I think guys are understanding their role, position, everyone is gelling, very cohesive. “The challenge is on Sunday. It’s real football now. The test is on Sunday. This will be our first test as a group, and we are excited to rise to the challenge.” -Larry Ogunjobi on the season ahead
So what is an acceptable record for the Black and Gold heading into the BYE week? The 49ers will pose the toughest challenge at least on paper. With one of the League’s top defenses and a fairly dynamic offense, getting a win -even at home in Acrisure Stadium – won’t be easy. Beating Cleveland in Pittsburgh hasn’t been much of a problem over the last 20 years but this is still a rivalry and the Browns should be better than they were in 2022. The saving grace here is the game is on a Monday night and we know how Mike Tomlin does at home in primetime.
But those two road games…. We know the history don’t we? The Steelers have struggled in the Pacific Time Zone and that’s exactly where that week three game is in Las Vegas. It’s also the Steelers’ second straight primetime game as they’ll be featured on Sunday Night Football. The following week they’ll be in Houston where they’ve had a little more success. This is going to be an emotional game however because the Texans will be retiring the jersey on Mr. J.J. Watt.
And finally there’s the rival Ravens at home leading into the BYE week.
“They have some real problems that they need to have addressed. That’s probably the worst in my 11 years that I’ve seen a Steelers team look. And I’m sure Bill Cowher is very disappointed, because they’ve got a lot of internal turmoil.” -Shannon Sharpe 2000
“Can you guys please go tell Shannon Sharpe that our problems here are fine? And I appreciate his concern after the first game about all the internal problems we had. Tell him we’re fine. Thanks.” -Bill Cowher’s response
So what would you say is an acceptable record considering the schedule that awaits them? 4-1? 3-2? Personally, anything less than 3-2 and this team will be in trouble.
