Heading into the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one team that seems to be flying under the radar. There hasn’t been much hype and fanfare surrounding the team, as some analysts believe they could finish last in a very strong AFC North division. Alas, this is just how the Steelers like it.
They can continue going about their business, handling things on the field. The less fanfare the better as Mike Tomlin’s group will have a chip on their shoulder, looking to prove doubters wrong once the regular season rolls around.
The Steelers will have a chance to make a statement right from the start. In Week 1, they are hosting the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium. The 49ers are widely regarded as the cream of the crop in the NFC and a Super Bowl contender. Picking up a victory over them to kickstart the season would be excellent for Pittsburgh.
At that point, everyone would start taking notice of them. But, one person who could say that they were on the bandwagon from the beginning is an NFL personnel executive who scouted the AFC North this preseason.
NFL Insider Jason La Canfora shared what the scout said over at the Washington Post. The person had to speak on the condition of anonymity because discussion of the scouting reports put together is prohibited.
“That’s my sleeper in the AFC right there. I love what they’re doing. They’re building a deep football team, man. They had another great offseason. They overhauled the offensive line, and I think that’s the best defense in the AFC North.
“They found five more starters in the draft. And I was talking to some of their [scouts], and they really like this lineman they got from Maryland [seventh-round guard Spencer Anderson], and I’m not even counting that kid because I didn’t see him much. Look out for the Steelers. They are going to make noise.”
When taking a look at the Steelers roster, there is certainly a lot to like. As the scout pointed out, the offensive line has been upgraded with the signing of guard Isaac Seumalo and the drafting of Broderick Jones in the first round.
Allen Robinson was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams, bringing experience and veteran leadership to the wide receiver position. Darnell Washington provides the team with some versatility at tight end as well.
If Kenny Pickett can build off of what he accomplished in the second half of his rookie campaign, this offense will be highly productive. Add to that one of the best defensive units in the NFL and the Steelers are a team that could be a dark horse contender this season.
