Do you really believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers are only a ‘quarterback away’ from being a Super Bowl contender? I totally understand that there are some fans out there that feel the Black and Gold are Super Bowl contenders every year but I live in reality rather than hope. If you’ve taken the opportunity to check out social media in the months following the Steelers’ 2023 season then you’ll know there’s been one constant… The Quarterback situation.
But that debate isn’t just on social media. It’s on ESPN and FOX Sports, local radio in Pittsburgh and pretty much the main topic of conversations on blogs and podcasts. You’d think that Omar Khan and Company were laser-focused on just this situation but something tells me they aren’t. I have become more and more convinced that the Steelers are resolved to go with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph (should he re-sign with them) as their QBs for 2024. That doesn’t mean you won’t continue to see and hear calls for Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, but I just don’t feel the warm winds blowing on either of them.
Instead, Khan, Andy Weidl, Mike Tomlin and the organization are likely focused on other positions that will in fact get them closer to that idea of being ‘Super Bowl contenders.’ For starters, they have to rebuild specific parts of their defense. Joey Porter, Jr is currently the only guy they should be entertaining as a starting outside cornerback. Levi Wallace, James Pierre and Patrick Peterson just aren’t the answer. Peterson, who I think probably restructures his deal, proved his worth late in the season when so many guys were injured. He proved that he can play safety or nickel CB when needed.
But they still need an outside corner and they spent a lot of time with some of the top prospects in this year’s draft last week. Don’t sleep on the fact that they need a better nickel corner too though. Chandon Sullivan had moments in 2023 but they must upgrade to someone who is more capable in coverage and is a better blitzer in the mold of Mike Hilton perhaps.
The inside linebacker position also remains light years being what you need to contend. Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander (now a free agent) both suffered serious injuries. Mark Robinson has yet to make the necessary jump and that leaves just Elandon Roberts. Whether they choose to fill this in via the draft, free agency or both is uncertain but it’s a massive need.
The defensive line also must have upgrades. Cam Heyward is near the end and Larry Ogunjobi underwhelmed following a new contract. Much like cornerback and inside linebacker, the Steelers spent a ton of time at the Combine talking to and evaluating defensive linemen from first rounders to late rounders. Improving here might be as paramount as any.
Offensively, the Steelers are more comfortable with what they have yet there are needs at center, tackle and receiver. I suspect the Steelers will address all of these positions both in free agency and in the draft. What order they go is uncertain but I have to believe Tomlin wants to get back to having a dominant center in the mold of Maurkice Pouncey. That makes me think that position is addressed early in the draft.
So while the fan base and media members lose their minds arguing over what highly questionable QB will be the starter, I think we are missing the bigger issue here. Andy Weidl built the Super Bowl Champion Eagles by focusing on the lines and I believe that’s going to be the same here. This doesn’t mean they won’t address the QB situation it’s just that I believe it is more likely to be next year.
