Are The Steelers Experiencing Deja Vu From 2004-2005 Now In 2023?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made changes and upgrades to their roster for the 2023 season. One thing that is not being said however, is the addition of leadership and playoff experience with the offseason acquisitions that were brought in. On the offensive side of the ball, Isaac Seumalo went to a Super Bowl this past season with the Philadelphia Eagles. On the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers signed two-time Super Bowl Champion, Elandon Roberts. Keanu Neal played in a Super Bowl as well and future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson also joins the Steel City. There is no doubt that leadership and playoff pedigree was part of the offseason recipe for Coach Mike Tomlin.

Defensively, the Steelers are primed to be once again a top 5 unit in the NFL, but this offseason and roster reminds me of a similar Steelers' offseason fans will never forget. 

Deja vu roster equals another Lombardi Trophy 

With the leadership and playoff experience that has been added to the roster this offseason, Steeler Nation should be very optimistic for the upcoming season. Although the offensive side of the ball is young, they grew up right in front of our eyes down the stretch led by Kenny Pickett.

This roster compares to that of the 2005-2006 roster. To begin with, the Steelers were led by Hall of Fame head coach, Bill Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger was going into his second NFL season with the Steelers coming of an historic rookie campaign. Willie Parker emerged as a star running back, while Jerome Bettis was there in veteran role. The offense leaned on the running game and allowed "Big Ben" to utilize play-action passing. 

On defense, the Steelers were loaded with star power. They were led by Joey Porter Sr. and Troy Polamalu. The defense was known for their physicality and being able to fly to the football. The playoff run was centered around winning a ring for Bettis. That resulted in Lombardi Trophy #5 for the Steelers. 

How does the 2023 roster compare to 2005-2006 roster?

The Steelers are led by Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season as an NFL Head Coach. Pickett did not have quite the rookie season as Roethlisberger did, but he played in playoff type "win or go home" scenarios for the final quarter of the season. Pickett will be in his second season under center leading this team, similar to Roethlisberger being in his second season. 

Second, the Steelers plan to lean on Najee Harris and the running game more in 2023. This offseason has been dedicated to being more physical on both sides of the ball with their offseason additions in free agency so far. The defense provides deja vu with how these pieces mirror the 2005 defense. Each level of the defense has a superstar and future Hall of Famer potentially. Defensive line has an All-Pro in Cam Heyward, linebacker has former AP Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro in TJ Watt and the secondary has All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick and future Hall of Famer, Patrick Peterson. 

What does this mean for the Steelers in 2023?

This roster mimics the roster of the past, which resulted in a Super Bowl win. While I know it is way to early to call for another Lombardi Trophy, analyzing these moves and formation of the roster brought back memories. Looking forward to the upcoming draft, the Steelers are projected to be in the market for drafting a DB, OT, LB, DE and WR with their 7 picks. After adding these key pieces and drafting potential prospects in the upcoming draft, if Pickett progresses this offseason like I believe he will, lookout for the Steelers making a playoff run in 2023. 

So Steeler Nation, do you think the roster matches up to the 2005 roster? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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