Despite repeated adversity over the years, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has never coached a losing season during fifteen seasons in Pittsburgh.
Last season, Pittsburgh overcame concerns with its offensive line and aging quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to still make the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record.
While they were soon defeated by the Chiefs in round one, the Steelers still surpassed expectations many had set for them.
And yet, heading into this upcoming season, Pittsburgh is probably feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Once again, the quarterback and offensive line both remain question marks, while the defense is still highly regarded by most.
So, can coach Tomlin once again overcome any would-be doubters and help lead the Steelers to a strong season?
Time will tell, but if Pittsburgh has success this year, it could fall first and foremost into its new quarterback’s hands.
Offensive Outlook
Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement after the conclusion of last season, giving the Steelers their first question mark at QB in nearly two decades.
The team responded with two moves.
After signing veteran Mitchell Trubisky to a two-year contract, they also used their first-round selection on Pitt QB Kenny Pickett, giving Tomlin two options to lead his offense.
As things currently stand, Trubisky is in line to start, with Pickett expected to back him up throughout his rookie season.
No matter which direction the Steelers go, there’ll be doubters, as both Trubisky and Pickett have their critics out there.
However, if the rest of Pittsburgh’s offense can rise to the occasion, Trubisky could be in for a career year should he start.
Najee Harris has already made a major impact in the NFL, totaling 1,647 scrimmage yards during his 2021 rookie season.
He did so behind a Steelers offensive line that struggled to block well for him, as Harris ran for just 3.9 yards per carry.
Yet, if the young Steelers line can grow this year, both Harris and Trubisky could benefit from improved protection.
Additionally, the Steelers once again have a strong receiver room, as is tradition.
Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, rookie George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth are a promising group.
Johnson and Claypool, particularly, have thrived statistically already, but are still searching for post-season success.
The Steelers offense in totality is full of question marks, but it’s also filled with talent.
Can this offense support the team’s defense enough for the team to win consistently? That remains to be seen.
Pressure On The Defense
Pittsburgh is known as a squad that prides itself on defense, but 2021 was certainly a down year despite a playoff berth.
They finished 20th in points scored against last season after top five finishes the prior two campaigns.
This came despite the presence of premier defenders like linebacker TJ Watt, lineman Cameron Heyward and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
A big reason for this dip in quality was the decline of the team’s secondary.
Pro Football Focus ranked Pittsburgh’s defensive backs 26th in the league, and that came in part because of the youth the unit had.
Similar to the offensive line, the secondary consists of many young or unproven players outside of Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds.
This is more evident headed into 2022 with the departure of veteran Joe Haden.
Even if the secondary causes concern, there’s still hope that this Steelers defense bounces back.
TJ Watt is coming off a season where he tied the single-season sack record, totaling 22.5.
His presence alone makes this unit dangerous, but an improving front seven also helps.
The addition of former Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack to pair with Devin Bush could pay dividends as a run-stopping combo.
Bush is coming off an up-and-down 2021 after tearing his ACL in 2020, but the hope for the Steelers is he’ll be back to his old self this year.
If Bush proves why he was a first-round selection once more, the Steelers linebacking core may be stellar.
Additionally, with Larry Ogunjobi and rookie DeMarvin Leal joining the All-Pro Heyward on the line, Pittsburgh could further improve.
With notable talent, as well as numerous younger players who can develop, it’s hard to believe the Steelers’ defense doesn’t improve.
At this point, it’s hard to bet against them anyways. Coach Tomlin’s track record proves this.
