The Pittsburgh Steelers are about a week away from beginning their 2022 regular season. It will take all members of the 53-man roster, coaches and staff to create a winning atmosphere. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin has not had a losing season during his time in Pittsburgh and with a tough schedule, youth everywhere and a questionable offensive line, many are expecting the team to falter this season. Everyone in the organization has roles that help the team compete on Sundays, but there are a few who could make a more significant impact on the field than many players on the team. Here are the Steelers X-factors for the 2022 season:
Aug 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson (69) and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (65) walk off the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
1.) Steelers Entire Offensive Line
You had to see this coming, right? The offense has all of the talent in the world at the skill positions and a fresh arm and legs at quarterback. It will be hard to use the weapons at Matt Canada's disposal if the line performs as they have the last month. Several people may want to blame the pass protection and that's fine as it has been subpar, but the rushing attack is what needs to get going.
After a solid first preseason game averaging 6.9 yards per rush, the Steelers had a mark of just 2.4 yards per carry in the final two preseason games combined. The pass protection won't be nearly as much of an issue if a run game is established and teams have to drop back seven guys in order to prevent a successful play-action offense. Throughout the season, there will be a strong correlation between wins and losses and how the offensive line performed that day.
2.) T.J. Watt
Watt is always playing at 110% no matter the situation. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is coming off a career year. He had 39 QB hits, 22.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and five forced fumbles. His ability to change a game at any moment is reminiscent of what Steelers' legend, Troy Polamalu used to do. That is why he is such a key member of the team, even though dominant play is expected.
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The most important thing will be for Watt to remain healthy. He put up those numbers and still missed two games and a couple more halves of football in 2021. It will be critical for Watt to continue his incredible play and find ways to create short fields for a young offense. As long as #90 is on the field, Pittsburgh is going to have the chance to win any game against any opponent.
3.) Minkah Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick entered a different role a year ago. He had 124 total tackles, which was 44 more than his career-high from his rookie season. The Steelers had injuries up front and a poor run defense which changed what head coach, Mike Tomlin normally asked Fitzpatrick to do. He was playing up near the line a whole lot more and didn't have the ability to make as many plays like he did in his first two seasons with the team.
This season, the hope is that we see Fitzpatrick back to his original spot. You won't see this on the depth chart, but his position can be labeled as "ball hawk." The safety is at his best when he lurks downfield and opposing quarterbacks misread his location. He only had two interceptions last year compared to nine in 2020 and 2021. Watt gunning for a quarterback and Fitzpatrick prowling, waiting for a mistake to be made is a recipe for success.
4.) Chase Claypool
Claypool took a huge step back in his sophomore season, but has said he was working on maturing throughout the off-season and even had a mentor in former Pro Bowl wide receiver, Brandon Marshall. The 6'4”, 238-pound receiver could be a significant mismatch for the Steelers if George Pickens plays on the outside and Claypool slides into the slot. Nickel cornerbacks tend to be smaller and this could be a huge advantage for Claypool.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
He also can provide a boost to the offense if he is involved with the rushing attack. He had two rushing touchdowns his rookie year and 96 total rushing yards in 2021. There is talent surrounding the Steelers offense and if Claypool can perform well, opposing defenses will have their heads on a swivel. Unlocking Claypool's true potential given his athletic ability and talent could lead to Canada's group hitting a whole new level.
Who/what are your X-factors for the Steelers 2022 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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