After finishing third in the AFC North in 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of work to do in the 2023 offseason if the organization wants to be back at the top sooner rather than later. Free agency and the NFL Draft will be two important factors that play into future success, but it is also important to pay attention to what the other teams within the division are doing.
Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson (#8) attempts to evade Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt during a regular season matchup in Pittsburgh, PA. | Gene J. Puskar / AP
The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns all have certain things they need to address over the course of the next few months and Pittsburgh fans should hope they neglect certain areas of need to help them gain an edge in maybe the league's toughest division.
1.) Ravens Wide Receiver Situation
Beginning in Baltimore, the first thing that needs to happen is making a decision on Lamar Jackson's future with the organization. He is still seeking a longterm contract and that is likely a top priority right now. If he does end up back in the black and purple, however, he needs someone to throw the ball to other than tight end, Mark Andrews.
The second most productive pass catcher in terms of receiving yards was Demarcus Robinson and he only had 458. Almost a year ago, the franchise traded Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. He was injured a chunk of the 2022 season, but his presence was certainly missed by the Ravens.
The Steelers have had success against Baltimore in recent years because they have been able to focus on stopping the rushing attack without much of a worry about what happens in the passing game. The Ravens would be silly not to sign Jackson and get him more weapons heading into 2023.
Bengals pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson (#91) sacks Steelers now-retired quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger (#7) during a regular season matchup. | Photo Credit: Mark Alberti / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
2.) Bengals Pass Rush
Trey Hendrickson led the Bengals' pass rush with eight sacks in 2022. The organization had the NFL's least amount of sacks in 2020 and after a better year in 2021, ranked 29th in 2022. If Kenny Pickett emerges has an above average quarterback, the entire division will be flooded with talented signal-callers and disrupting their rhythm will be crucial.
Cincinnati certainly has needs elsewhere, needing help on the offensive line as well as potentially needing two brand new starting safeties. Pair that with a Joe Burrow massive contract extension and the window may close sooner than their fans may want to admit.
Regardless, the Bengals need to find a way to get to the quarterback more often as it has historically been an issue, ranking in the bottom seven four of the last six years.
3.) Browns Rushing Defense
Myles Garrett is an absolute monster for Cleveland and one of the best defensive players in the NFL. The franchise did have trouble stopping the run in 2022, however. Ranking 25th is rushing yards allowed as well as 29th in rushing touchdowns given up is not something to be happy about.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (#95) rushes the passer during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland. | David Richard / AP
Steelers And The Rest Of The Division Destroyed The Browns On The Ground In 2022
The Steelers were more dedicated to the run the lateral half of 2022 and the other two teams in the division have the capability to showcase dominant running games as well. Cleveland allowed 776 total rushing yards to divisional opponents giving up an average 129 yards per game in those crucial matchups. If the front office doesn't do anything to correct in during the offseason, it needs to be exploited in 2023.
Do you agree that the Steelers division rivals all have these weaknesses? Let us know in the comments below!
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