All aboard the Pickett train, anyone? Kenny Clutch, you say? That may very well be the next viral Pittsburgh Steelers slogan plastered amongst shops in Pittsburgh's Strip District. After another hard-fought 16-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, resulting in a late fourth-quarter comeback, the Steelers are still very much alive for playoff contention in what will be a thrilling Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season. Standing tall at 8-8, the Cleveland Browns are now on deck for one last regular season and divisional rodeo on Sunday.
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
Besides the scoring limitations at M&T Bank Stadium, there was no shortage of positives. The Steelers' defense accumulated one sack, one interception and only three points allowed during the second half. The Steelers' offense raked in 198 rushing yards behind a healthy offensive line.
Kenny Pickett, responsible for two straight game-winning drives, lead the way with 168 passing yards and one touchdown. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both reinvigorated a Steelers fanbase dying of enthusiasm for a running game with 111 and 76 rushing yards respectively.
The 2022 season has been an uphill climb, but like always, the Steelers franchise flexes its riches full of consistency and stability to another winning record. While unpopular with many fans in Steel City, Mike Tomlin is revered around the league for his craftmanship and culture building, even under a mediocre team talent-wise. This is one of several times where he has taken a less than .500 squad and delivered on his promise to keep fighting and never back down, ensuring winning season after winning season.
With a record of 1-4 out of the gate, it was a rather trying time. Mitch Trubisky, a free agent pickup out of Buffalo this past offseason, was the starter and certainly sunk the Steeler's early season hopes quicker than it took to watch the Butt Fumble take place on the field. Then, everyone's favorite rookie quarterback gets his chance in the second half of Week 4 at home versus the New York Jets.
The result of the game wasn't the most important feature. Instead, it was about what was to come. From Week 5 out, Pickett has accumulated a 6-5 record as the starter since taking over for Trubisky. It's only his first season in the NFL, but Kenny is already developing into a future and blossoming star.
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
The Steelers' Rookie's Arsenal Of Weapons
Not to overlook his arsenal, we can expect the playmakers and skill position players around him to also take the next step into 2023. George Pickens will be the WR1, and watching his highlight reel catches in tight coverage will be marvelous. Diontae Johnson, while somewhat inconsistent, has every tool in the box to be WR1-B to NFL Youngboy.
Calvin Austin III, who missed the entire 2022 season due to injury, will be back 100 percent healthy. Pat Friermuth, quickly becoming a target hog and trusted security blanket, will be heavily relied upon and could possibly elevate himself into the top tier of the tight-end position.
There's no doubt Pittsburgh will be pounding the rock a lot in the future. Having a dynamic duo in Harris and Warren is going to pay huge dividends, but if they desire to become a run-oriented offense, upgrades must be made to the offensive line. Kevin Dotson, Dan Moore Jr. and maybe Chukora Okorafor will become expendable.
For example, take the Cincinnati Bengals' huge investment into their offensive line unit. Started off slow, but they've absolutely gotten their money's worth ever since. You have a quarterback on a rookie contract, and you must take advantage of this contractual loophole by bringing in serious reinforcements along the trenches before it's too late.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 01: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
These are exciting times in Pittsburgh, and the worst thing an NFL franchise can do is not do enough to build a legitimate Super Bowl contender around their "guy" of the future. Kenny Pickett is that same guy, and the fact that he's risen one team from ashes to potential postseason contention so quickly is something worth taking note of.
At one point, the Steelers were 5-8, dysfunctional, offensively inept and looking downward. Now? They're on the cusp of a seventh-seed AFC underdog team in January. Boasting one of the younger NFL offenses, there's nowhere else to go but up. Week 18 is calling, and the incumbent Cleveland Browns are pulling into town for what should be nothing short of worthy headlined entertainment.
Steelers football is best defined this time of year, and they'll get the chance to do such while also needing a little bit of playoff magic to sneak in. As Paul Zeise best puts it, this is now officially Kenny Pickett's team.
What do you think of Pittsburgh's playoff chances and 2023 chances? Let us know in the comments below!
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