It has been quite a roller coaster of a season so far for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team sits at 5-7 after a 2-6 start and rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett is finally beginning to settle in the pocket and protect the football. There have been plenty of hiccups and with any season, some exceed expectations, while others don't live up to the hype. Every player or coach could be considered a 'winner' or a 'loser,' but that would leave us here dissecting the organization for days. Let's take a look at the ones who stand out the most up to this point entering the final month or so.
Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Winners
1.) Pat Freiermuth, TE
Although this list isn't in any particular order, the second-year tight end needs to be mentioned first. He has already eclipsed the 497 receiving yards he had during his rookie year and leads the team with 597. His red zone production with only one touchdown is a bit concerning, but the offense as a whole has struggled there. He would have had a second score if Pickett made a good throw in Week 13's game against the Atlanta Falcons. He is only going to get better and is the first true receiving tight end that the organization has had in quite some time.
Most 70+ yard games by a TE this season:
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) December 5, 2022
1. Travis Kelce - 7
2. Pat Freiermuth - 5
If Travis Kelce is the only guy ahead of you, then you know you’re doing something right. Steelers have a stud in Freiermuth.
2.) Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
Fitzpatrick is having another All-Pro like year. He leads all safeties with a Pro Football Focus grade of 85.2 and has 39 tackles, eight passed defended, four interceptions, a tackle for loss and a touchdown. He kicked off the season with a bang, intercepting Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow and has not looked back. He has missed a couple games with some health issues, but nonetheless is staking his claim as one of the NFL's best defensive players.
Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) lurks in the secondary at Acrisure Stadium in a 2022 regular season game versus the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) Alex Highsmith, LB
There is no doubt that Highsmith is a better play-maker with T.J. Watt on the other side of him. He has proven this season that the franchise may not need to reach for an edge rusher, instead, maybe extend their current season sack leader come the off-season. He has gotten to the quarterback 10 times and has forced four fumbles. The duo could be deadly for some time if both remain healthy. Highsmith is absolutely in the conversation to be named the team's MVP.
4.) Derek Watt, FB
Some may be surprised to see Watt on this list, but he is a perfect 5/5 on short conversions this season for the Steelers offense. He even has a receiving touchdown. The likelihood of Pittsburgh re-signing him may be slim, but he has certainly played his way into a contract elsewhere. He doesn't control whether he is used in offensive packages or not so that argument bears no weight here. Watt is also one of the most consistent and important special teams assets that the team has.
5.) George Pickens, WR
Pickens almost slipped off of this list after his sideline meltdown against Atlanta last Sunday. He certainly needs to mature in terms of his emotions, but someone who has as much passion as Pickens is always a good guy to have on your side. He is third among rookies with 512 receiving yards and has also added two touchdowns. He has the potential to be a play-maker for years to come and getting him in the second round may turn out to be a steal.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens participates in 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Losers
1.) Mitchell Trubisky, QB
It's not necessarily that Trubisky played awful in his time as the Steelers' starting quarterback. He even was the main reason the team prevailed late against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But any time a veteran gets benched for a rookie, you can go ahead and chalk that experienced player up as a loser. He completed under 61% of his passes and only managed three touchdown passes along with throwing two interceptions in his five games. He's a great backup to have, but won't see the field for the black and gold again, barring it being a preseason game or due to injury.
2.) Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
Witherspoon was a key defensive piece for the 2021 Steelers team. After being inactive the majority of the season a year ago, he finished with three interceptions. The 2022 campaign, however, has been a different story. He has always been known for his inconsistencies and they have shown throughout. The cornerback was benched halfway through the Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles and has not played since due to a hamstring injury which just landed him on IR. He most likely has played his last game in a Steelers uniform.
3.) Tyson Alualu, NT
Less than a month into the season, Alualu was demoted to the second team in favor of Montravius Adams and nothing has changed since. He is ranked 123 out of 124 at his position with a PFF grade of just 29.5. He has just 10 total tackles and at age 35, everyone can be certain that he will not return as a member of the team a year from now. It has been a devastating last two years for him after being a key piece of the defense in seasons prior.
Dec 15, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Tyson Alualu (94) is introduced before playing the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
4.) Dan Moore Jr, OT
Pickett's blindside protector hasn't necessarily been horrible in 2022. He has, however, had nine penalties accepted against him (third worst) and allowed six sacks which is tied for the fifth worst in the league. The incoming draft class has some great prospects on the outside and if the Steelers organization believes that Pickett is the future at the position, a significant investment needs to be made to protect him and Moore Jr. has not proven that he will be that guy going forward.
5.) Diontae Johnson, WR
Having 105 targets to only 61 receptions is a bit of a staggering ratio. Johnson has clearly been frustrated with his lack of targets, but the drops and completely unaware actions after the catch are what are really concerning. He is on pace to have his worst season since his rookie year back in 2019 after recently signing a lucrative contract extension in the off-season. Pickens and Freiermuth may slowly be taking over as the top targets in the passing game and Johnson hasn't done himself any favors with bonehead mistakes and untimely drops.
For those wondering, Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada remains neutral in terms of this list for now. Once heavily criticized, the offense has completely flipped a script since the bye week and Pickett's progression along with efficient play could end up saving his job after all at year's end. The final five games will be crucial for the play-caller if he wants Tomlin to retain him for the 2023 season.
Who are your winners and losers for the Steelers' season thus far? Let us know in the comments below!
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