The Pittsburgh Steelers are all the time in rivalry for the playoffs underneath head coach Mike Tomlin they usually appear to have upgraded a number of positions throughout what has been one more very energetic offseason. Various query marks stay, although.
Right here is why the Steelers needs to be apprehensive concerning the coming season.
What if neither Russell Wilson nor Justin Fields is the reply?
The Steelers have lacked good quarterback play over the previous couple of years. In 2023, quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky solely threw for a mixed 13 touchdowns in opposition to 9 interceptions.
So Pittsburgh understandably revamped the room this offseason, signing Wilson and buying and selling for Fields. On paper, each gamers needs to be upgrades over Pickett and crew.
Wilson alone had double the variety of touchdowns (26) and fewer interceptions (eight) than Pittsburgh’s trio final season whereas Fields has flashed his upside, throwing for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns and speeding for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns over the previous two seasons.
Each gamers nonetheless have quite a bit to show, although. If they do not take the steps to enhance their video games this season, it’ll go away the Steelers again at sq. one.
Emptiness at No. 2 huge receiver might restrict offense
Pittsburgh made the shocking choice to commerce huge receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason, however what could also be much more of a head-scratcher is the truth that the crew has but so as to add a real No. 2 possibility to interchange his manufacturing.
As an alternative, the Steelers have signed a bunch of No. 3 and 4 huge receivers in Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller, amongst others. With no dependable complement to George Pickens, the offense’s potential will probably be hindered.
Pittsburgh has been named a well-liked vacation spot for groups that may very well be trying to commerce a possible No. 2 huge receiver. Till that occurs, nonetheless, Wilson (or doubtlessly Fields) might see a variety of double groups, which might restrict the general move assault.
Younger offensive line might wrestle out the gate
The Steelers lastly put the ending touches on their offensive line within the 2024 NFL Draft, deciding on offensive deal with Troy Fautanu within the first spherical and middle Zach Frazier within the second.
Each gamers, paired with 2023 first spherical offensive deal with Broderick Jones, have an opportunity to be Week 1 starters after the unit has underwhelmed the previous few years.
With that risk, nonetheless, will doubtless come the ups and downs of beginning rookies. Veteran guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels can have do their finest to restrict negativity sandwiched in between the younger offensive linemen, however it’s inevitable that there will probably be tough showings because the group grows collectively.
