While the Pittsburgh Steelers finished yet another season in 2022 without a losing record, the ultimate goal of making the playoffs and getting to the Super Bowl did not materialize. The team was still in the hunt heading into Week 18, but failed to get the help externally that was necessary to get into the big tournament. All members of the organization sat on their couches and watched the best teams in the NFL compete for the infamous Lombardi Trophy. The competitiveness that runs through the group, however, can't be understated heading into 2023.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin roams the field on a brisk day during warmups prior to a 2021 regular season matchup at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Organized Team Activities (OTAs) officially started on Tuesday and the media's access to the players has provided a lot of intel on what certain guys are thinking as the 2023 approaches. After missing day one of the practices, edge rusher and 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt was in attendance on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Steelers' best player talked about missing out on the playoffs in 2022. He acknowledged that it's a horrible feeling to sit in your house while other teams around the league compete for a championship.
“Every offseason has its time when you kind of sit back and you reflect,” Watt said. “You're bummed, and you see all your peers still playing football and you're not. You have to crawl your way out and start training.”
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stretches prior to a practice during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Watt and one of his mentors, Cameron Heyward, have certainly gotten closer over the years since Watt was drafted in 2017. That doesn't mean that the two have much interaction after a poor end to a season. The edge rusher detailed why he stays away from Heyward during a tough period at the end of a playoff-less and disappointing year.
“I talked to him a good amount, but he definitely goes to dark places early in the offseason,” said Watt of Heyward. “I try to avoid him as much as possible, and not drag me any darker."
The Steelers have had an extremely aggressive 2023 offseason. They are expected to be several new starters on defense and a revamped 53-man roster. The Steelers completely revamped the insider linebacker position releasing Myles Jack and letting Devin Bush head to Seattle during free agency. Opening day 2022 starting cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was released. His counterpart Cam Sutton walked during free agency and safety Terrell Edmunds also left via free agency signing with the Eagles. Watt isn't convinced that changes what's going on this time of year.
“Every year we're adding people, so I don't know if it's truly any different. This time of year is always super important."
Steelers defensive superstar, TJ Watt (#90) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season contest agains the New Orleans Saints in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers And Watt Continue To Have One Goal Overall
At the end of the day, it's a brand new season for Watt and company. It makes sense that players have a hard time getting after it immediately after a difficult campaign that didn't see results anywhere close to the ultimate goal. The Steelers have improved in a number of areas in 2023 and have a relatively easy schedule on paper. Pittsburgh's irreplaceable defensive centerpiece still only has one thing in mind when it comes to his preparation and the end of each season.
“I’m just trying to do everything I can to win the Super Bowl.”
Do you think that the Steelers have the pieces in place for 2023 so Heyward and Watt don't struggle to not be upset after the season? Let us know in the comments below!
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