The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially begun their new era with Omar Khan as General Manager. After what seems like an impressive first NFL Draft for Khan, fans seem pleased with what he has been able to do in his first year in the GM role so far. After falling short of making the playoffs and going 9-8 in 2022, expectations are now high on the team that Khan has been able to form.
Michael Conroy / Associated Press
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Steelers Have Been Able To Accomplish Through Free Agency
As impressive as this year's draft was, you also have to give credit to what the Steelers have been able to accomplish through free agency as well. It seemed to look like something we have never seen before in Pittsburgh. For a moment in time, we saw new free agents coming to the team left and right. It was not just old veterans either, from Pro Bowlers, to future stars, the Steelers were able to bring in a bit of everything.
The first big pickup that the Steelers brought in was future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson. Peterson seems like he was built to play in Pittsburgh. He is the perfect mentor for Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. Don't let the age fool you either, Peterson has been aging like fine wine and last season was one of his best. He had 66 total tackles, which was the most that he had in a season throughout his career, as well as securing five interceptions. The eight-time Pro Bowler and NFL 2010's All-Decade Team member could arguably be the biggest pickup of the entire offseason.
Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo is another guy that I am extremely excited about. The 29-year-old veteran was a force to be reckoned with last year as he was a starter in every game for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was an alternate for the 2023 Pro Bowl, but since the Eagles made the Super Bowl, he was not in attendance. Seumalo is now on a three-year contract with the Steelers and looks to be the best lineman on the team. His leadership is perfect to mentor the Steelers' first-round pick Broderick Jones.
AP / Ross D. Franklin
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson makes a catch during NFL football practice at State Farm Stadium Friday, July 26, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Fans aren't the only ones that believe that the Steelers could make a run at the Super Bowl. Former Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl fullback, Michael Robinson believes that the Steelers added enough talent this offseason to potentially make a run at the Super Bowl. He was asked on an episode of NFL Total Access about the Steelers and what their outcome could be. He notes that the biggest issue for the Steelers will be playing in the AFC North since it is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
"I do think they added enough talent, I think it will depend on Matt Canada and this offense. This offense needs more space, it needs more speed."
This puts the pressure even more on Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. The offense has been the big struggle for the Steelers in the past and Canada has been the one to take much of the blame. The team seems to feel confident with him and quarterback Kenny Pickett is the one leading the support for Canada. The team supporting him is good to hear after all the criticism that Canada has had over the last few years. At some point, you have to put the pressure on the players rather than the coaching.
Photo Credit: Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin (right) and offensive coordinator, Matt Canada (left) laugh with one another at a practice during training camp.
Although the offense has looked rough, it's worth noting how well the defense has been. Mostly all of the guys from last year came back for 2023 and their biggest weakness at cornerback looks way better than it once was. This has to get Steelers fans excited as they are now an elite defense in the league. Having a great defense takes a ton of the pressure off second-year Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin as well, who has a unit led by T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith.
NFL.com
T.J. Watt scoops a loose ball for the first score in Pittsburgh's Wild Card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
The Steelers are going to be a team to watch for in 2023. With some new power on offense and some key additions to the defense, don't be surprised if you see them in the 2024 Super Bowl.
So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Are the Steelers poised to make a run at this year's Super Bowl? Let me know in the comments below!
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