The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short of their goal of making the playoffs during their 2022 campaign. While that may be disappointing for Steelers' fans, the team was still able to be in contention for the playoffs going into Week 18 despite a miserable start to the season. The young core of the Steelers played extremely well at the end of the year, which is promising when you pair that with the elite defense they possess (when healthy). Figures in NFL media have also taken notice of the potential of the Steelers. Jason McIntyre of The Herd With Colin Cowherd recently gave his five bold predictions for the 2023 NFL season, predicting the Steelers will be in the AFC Championship Game.
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Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) makes a throw during 2022 training camp.
McIntyre's High Praise For Steelers' Kenny Pickett
Part of McIntyre's reasoning for predicting that the Steelers will have such a successful year in 2023 is because of second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett. The signal-caller had a strong finish to the 2022 season, throwing two game-winning touchdown passes during the Steelers' season-ending four game winning streak.
Pickett began to show more confidence and had a better understanding of the offense week after week, despite his struggles to begin his career. Pickett started the season as the backup to Mitchell Trubisky before being thrown into the Steelers' Week 4 loss to the New York Jets, a game in which he threw three interceptions.
During the early stages of the season, Pickett seemed to be extremely turnover-prone before ending the season in a strong fashion, which McIntyre listed as a reason why he sees the Steelers advancing so far in the post season.
"Kenny Pickett, during the final seven games, was a Top 11 quarterback in the league. That guy was a rookie. Kenny Pickett is mature. He looked sharp at the end of the season. The defense will be back and really good. I've already bet them in Week 1. This Steelers team is a buy."
Pickett showed extreme improvement at the of the season, and showed he could deliver during late-game situations during victories over the Las Vegas Raiders and the Steelers' AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers lost one possession games early in the year to the Jets, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. If they had managed to win these games, they surely would have made the playoffs. These are games that fans can expect Pickett to find a way to win in 2023, especially with a healthy TJ Watt wreaking havoc on the other side of the ball.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett continues to show signs of stepping up as a leader of the offense in just his second season in the NFL.
Steelers Playing In A Loaded AFC
In order for the Steelers to advance to the AFC Championship Game, they will have to face some difficult tests in the playoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets are all loaded teams with talented quarterbacks that are expected to be representing the AFC in the 2023 playoffs. McIntyre believes the Steelers should not be counted out against any of these opponents.
"I can definitely see them going to the AFC Championship Game. I know it's a minefield out there with the Chiefs who are obviously loaded, the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Jets and that team in Buffalo. Pittsburgh's gonna be damn good and I would not be totally shocked if they won the division."
Winning the AFC North will be a tall task for the Steelers considering the Bengals and Ravens both have had recent playoff appearances and are expected to be at full strength. However the Steelers always play close games within the division so it is entirely possible they find a way to wear the AFC North crown once again.
USA Today
USA Today graphic of AFC North
Steelers' 2023 Schedule
The Steelers have an opportunity to finish the 2023 NFL season with an extremely good record, as they will be playing the entire AFC South which is widely regarded as the weakest division in the NFL and three teams in that division will be starting rookie quarterbacks. They also have what should be winnable games against the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots.
With Pickett being praised for his work this offseason and a revamped offensive line, the Steelers' offense should be able to reach new heights in 2023 to compete with the loaded offenses of the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers will have a healthy Watt returning to his full form and many new pieces at linebacker and defensive back that will help the defense perform at the highest level. This Steelers team is destined for greatness in 2023.
How do you think the Steelers will perform in 2023 Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!
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