The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that many people seem to be underestimating heading into the 2023 regular season. While preseason games don’t count officially, people should be taking notice of what is going on in Pittsburgh.
They steamrolled through the preseason schedule, going 3-0 with victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons. The team looked great in every facet, as they are poised to surprise a lot of people in the coming months.
One of the people who are singing the praises of the Steelers is a former player of theirs. Ryan Clark, during a recent appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, spoke highly of his former organization. He has high expectations for the Steelers and believes they are getting back to how things used to be.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting back to who the Pittsburgh Steelers used to be. And Kenny Pickett is showing why he was drafted 20th overall. A lot of times we forget how old Joe Burrow was when he became the starter of the Cincinnati Bengals. Kenny Pickett is much the same. He played a ton of football as a Pitt Panther. He was a guy who was extremely successful. He isn’t one of these players who has to get acclimated to the position. This team is going to be the dark horse team when it comes to playoff contenders in the AFC, and I believe that they are going to be hell the entire season. And it starts with the confidence they have now in their second-year quarterback.” (H/T Steelers Depot)
Pickett had a rough start to his NFL career, throwing eight interceptions in his first five appearances. However, after the bye week in 2022, something clicked for him. He threw only one in the final nine games of the season and helped the Steelers get their season back on track.
While the strong push didn’t result in a playoff appearance, the team has to feel good about the direction they are heading in. Pickett doesn’t have eye-popping stats, but he made big throws when he needed to and helped the team win games.
Surrounded by some incredible talent on that side of the ball, his production should take a major jump in 2023. George Pickens is an emerging star at wide receiver and is complemented by Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson. Pat Frieirmuth is an emerging tight end, while Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are one of the better running back duos in the NFL.
Defensively, the Steelers could have one of the best units in the NFL. They have a vaunted pass rush led by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a star at safety while Patrick Peterson will help solidify the cornerback position.
This is a well-rounded roster with one of the best coaches to ever do it with Mike Tomlin leading the way. Anyone underestimating the Steelers heading into the 2023 season is certainly in for a rude awakening.
