At first, it seemed like everyone was underrating the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to BetMGM, the black and gold are the favorites to finish last in the AFC North. Other betting sites reflect this as well, as the Steelers have the worst odds to win the division according to all of the major outlets. The odds range from +425 to +500, while the Cincinnati Bengals are the favorites to win their third straight division title.
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Steelers WR George Pickens is viewed as one of the best young wideouts in the NFL, as he will enter his second season in the league in 2023.
Well, over the past month or so, it seems like people are finally paying attention to some of the talent in Pittsburgh. General Manager Omar Khan revamped the roster this offseason, bringing in a load of talent in both free agency and the NFL Draft. Perhaps most importantly, everyone expects quarterback Kenny Pickett and wideout George Pickens to take huge steps forward in their second seasons.
According to NFL Network’s Sherree Burress, the Steelers organization has been raving about the improvements that Pickett has made this offseason. That coincides with the media's hype surrounding the quarterback, as he's been selected as a breakout candidate by several outlets. On Wednesday, former quarterback and current ESPN analyst, Dan Orlovsky continued the Steelers hype on the show Get Up.
"They're probably the quietest best team in football right now. Two of the best defensive players in football: Minkah Fitzpatrick and TJ Watt. And then they have two of the better young offensive players in football in both George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth. They could make a lot of noise this football season," Orlovsky said.
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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (#88) warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
It's good to hear a guy like Freiermuth get the praise that he deserves. It's crazy to think that he's entering just his third season in the NFL, yet he's easily considered a top-10, arguably top-five, tight end in the league. Orlovsky mentioned the two heavy hitters from the defense, but didn't even include Cam Heyward. That trio will be expected to lead the defense back to the elite ranks in 2023, and if they do so, they can make a run.
The team finished 9-8 in 2022 and has upgraded in several facets of the roster since then. Now, they do reside in arguably the best division in football. With six games against the Cleveland Browns, Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens total in the regular season, a playoff spot won’t be easy. That's without even mentioning the rest of the AFC, which has continued to add top-end talent this offseason.
Due to the third-place finish in 2022, the Steelers get to face some bottom feeders in the upcoming campaign. Pro Football Focus gave them the 12th-easiest schedule for 2023, a bit middle of the road. The Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals make up the two easiest games on the schedule, but those six division games will all be dogfights.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett expects to take a step forward in his second season in the NFL.
Again, a lot of this hype resides on the belief that Pickett will mature in a big way in Year 2. In 2022, he showed massive improvements over the last month of the season. While those improvements didn’t necessarily show up in his individual stats, other than the decline in turnovers, they led to more team wins. Over the last two months, Pickett led his squad to a 6-1 record.
What will the Steelers record be in 2023?
Since 2022, the expectations have only gone up. The Steelers will have the perfect test to begin the season as well in the San Francisco 49ers at home. Acrisure Stadium will surely be rocking for that contest, and it will be needed. The 49ers made the NFC Championship, and if it weren't for injuries to their whole quarterback room, they arguably would've won the Super Bowl.
They head into 2023 with loftier expectations, as they possess arguably the most talented roster in the NFL. Pickett will specifically have his hands full, as San Francisco has the best defense in the league, which starts with the pressure up front from Nick Bosa.
What are your personal expectations from this team in 2023? Do you think they can become legitimate Super Bowl contenders? Are you 100% sold that Pickett is the guy for the future? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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