The Pittsburgh Steelers remained in playoff contention in the 2022 season up until the moment the Miami Dolphins kicked a field goal with 18 seconds left to go against the New York Jets in Week 18. Despite flip-flopping between Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett throughout the season, and missing arguably their most important defensive player for a long stretch, the team managed to pull off a 9-8 record to keep head coach Mike Tomlin's record of never having a losing season alive.
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Steelers wide receiver George Pickens lines up in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2022 season.
While some potential issues ranging from the Lamar Jackson contract dispute, to trade rumors and legal trouble plague the teams of the division, a path back to being a contender means beating them consistently. The Cincinnati Bengals still have tons of weapons, including a star quarterback in Joe Burrow, and almost made the Super Bowl again last year.
The Baltimore Ravens are a big question mark right now because of the Jackson situation but expect coach John Harbaugh to have a plan for being a competitive team with or without their former MVP.
The Cleveland Browns are another mystifying team this offseason, with Deshaun Watson. The three-time Pro Bowl-nominated quarterback had a mixed first semi-season with the Browns after coming back from his 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Watson will have a full offseason and training camp with the Browns this time around and maybe could help the Browns turn things around.
While there seems to be a potential path to being an AFC North contender next year, one Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sees them as a player in the conference next year if they can get a few key things. Gerry Dulac answered a couple of questions about when the Steelers would be ready to contend again and he had answers for both being a player in the AFC and returning to true Super Bowl contender status.
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Steelers Matt Canada faces a lot of pressure in 2023 to have the offense take even bigger strides.
"I think their offense can be good enough right now so long as Matt Canada can do better than what we've seen for two years and Kenny Pickett continues to develop into year two," he said in regards to competing next year. "A top-tier CB is a must. And so is a new beast for the defensive line."
Steelers True Contender Window Opening
In regards to getting the Steelers back to their true championship standards, Dulac thinks it's going to take at least a pair of seasons and some shrewd decision-making.
Photo Credit: NFL Films
Steelers Ben Roethlisberger hands the 4th game ball to Jerome Bettis upon winning Super Bowl XL
"I think they are at least two years away from being that type of contender," he said in reference to a question about Terry Bradshaw winning the Super Bowl in year five and Ben Roethlisberger winning in year two. "First, they need to show me they can win a playoff game and holding the opponent to fewer than 45 points."
For the first time, Tomlin will be working with general manager Omar Khan and his new staff to navigate the Steelers' offseason moves in the draft and free agency to try and return the team to a perennial challenger status for the league's top prize.
So, Steeler Nation, do you agree with Dulac that the team could be back in Super Bowl contention in two years? What moves do you think need to be made for that to happen? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
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