The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their most well-rounded game of the 2023 season in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. A 16-10 victory on the road may not sound like much, but for Pittsburgh, it is a sign of things to come.
It was the first game without Matt Canada, the much-maligned offensive coordinator who was fired following another ugly offensive game in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns. Throughout Canada’s tenure with the team, Pittsburgh failed to gain 400 yards in a game; in the first without him, they had 421.
While the scoring output wasn’t where they would like, it was encouraging seeing them move the ball in the fashion they did. The defense, per usual, made plays when it needed to and was its opportunistic self.
NFL News & Rumors: Shaquille Leonard, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
The Steelers are a dangerous team heading down the stretch of the season, especially if the offense is figured out. Their already stout defense could become even better in the coming days, too.
Former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard is currently doing his rounds, seeing where he will play following a release from the Indianapolis Colts. He visited the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and has a visit planned with the Philadelphia Eagles later this week. The Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears have also been linked to him.
In the opinion of Tyler Sullivan and Garrett Podell of CBS Sports, the Steelers should not be counted out. They believe Leonard would be a perfect addition to Pittsburgh, naming them as the No. 2 landing spot behind Dallas.
“The Steelers linebacker room has been decimated with injuries. So much so, that they needed to lure Myles Jack out of retirement to help fill the void,” Sullivan and Podell wrote. “Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander both suffered season-ending injuries recently and were starting Mykal Walker last Sunday against the Browns after he was previously on the practice squad.
“Leonard could realistically come in and compete for a starting job or insert himself into the rotation with Walker, Jack, and Elandon Roberts to help stabilize this group for Pittsburgh.”
NFL News & Rumors: Shaquille Leonard, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
While Leonard hasn’t had the impact this season as he has in years past, working his way back from two back surgeries last season, opportunity could be all that he needs. The Colts changed his role this season, as he wasn’t rushing the passer nearly as much and was splitting early down work, rarely on the field on third down.
Leonard may not return to the All-Pro, Hall of Fame trajectory of projection he was on earlier in his career. But for a team as decimated by injuries at the linebacker position as the Steelers, Leonard would be a nice addition.
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