The Pittsburgh Steelers are about two weeks away from starting the march towards what they will hope is a successful 2023 season. The Steelers are facing some significant questions. Is the offense going to take a step forward? Can Mike Tomlin still win big games? Most important is Omar Khan the genuine artist we all are convinced he has become?
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Steelers' Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin speak to media at a draft press conference introducing Broderick Jones.
The Steelers have had a more active offseason in 2023 than any in recent memory. They allowed Cam Sutton and Terrell Edmunds to depart via free agency, they revamped the offensive line, seemingly starting over on the left side by drafting Broderick Jones and signing Isaac Seumalo, and Khan completely tore down the inside linebacker room and started over. The Steelers have a lot of fresh new faces and have seemingly added depth through free agency and the NFL Draft.
Steelers' Recent Draft History Is Haunting Current Roster
The holes in the roster are more plentiful than any Steelers fan wanted to admit. The documented draft failures of Kevin Colbert since TJ Watt’s draft class are numerous. It is one of the biggest reasons that Khan and his tag team partners Andy Weidl and Tomlin have received high marks for the rebuilt roster. On paper, this team is bigger and stronger, which is exactly what they are going for in 2023.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert.
Watching the Mistake by the Lake Cleveland Browns being touted as the winners of multiple offseasons should bring tempered enthusiasm to the Steelers faithful. The Steelers have been hailed in many media circles as offseason winners. It is entirely probable that they are, but a few key questions have to be answered.
Is the defensive backfield actually better than the 2022 group?
Sutton was a reliable piece of the puzzle. There is no disputing he was a key loss. Khan addressed this by bringing in Patrick Peterson and drafting Joey Porter Jr. and Corey Trice Jr.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Levi Wallace, and Damontae Kazee is a good foundation, but Peterson is being heavily counted on to maintain his superb level of play at 33 years of age.
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Steelers CB Patrick Peterson.
Likelihood of Improvement in 2023: Fair. The Steelers will miss Sutton’s versatility, even if the future Hall of Fame cornerback Peterson can adapt to the slot for the first time in his career. He is excited to take on the challenge which puts some pressure on the rookie Porter to perform early. It is the right move for the future of the position and likely an improvement over last season, although it might not seem like it early.
Is the offensive line a serious upgrade over 2022?
Kevin Dotson and Dan Moore Jr. are not bad people. They may have been responsible for Kenny Pickett taking some brutal hits, but they didn’t do it on purpose. Dotson’s slide is disappointing, and he is likely to be a camp casualty after his loose-lipped tirades during the offseason. Moore and the rookie Jones are said to be locked in a heated battle, but the Steelers have not put the pads on yet.
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The Steelers' Isaac Seumalo (#73) takes part in drills during the team's OTA sessions in Pittsburgh, PA.
Likelihood of improvement in 2023: Excellent. The Steelers scored a huge victory with Seumalo. If Mason Cole and James Daniels build on last year’s performances, the interior of the line will be the strength of the unit. Pittsburgh avoided injury last season along the offensive line, but the tackle trio of Jones, Moore, and Chukwuma Okorafor is a very deep group. The addition of Darnell Washington on the left side of the line should help smooth the transition early.
Did the Steelers strike gold in promoting Khan as the General Manager?
Khan’s first free agency period brought in multiple pieces that are going to be counted on in 2023. Seumalo was a great addition, Peterson is a calculated gamble, and based on reports from camp, the Allen Robinson trade may turn out to be a home run. The addition of solid depth pieces like Nate Herbig and Breiden Fehoko are under-the-radar moves that should end up being key offseason moves.
Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver, Allen Robinson prepares to make a catch during his first season in Pittsburgh as 2023 Organized Team Activities.
The Steelers’ first draft under Khan was very solid on the surface. Drafting Jones, Porter, and Keeanu Benton at key positions of need could produce 2-3 opening-day starters. Finding Washington, Nick Herbig, and Trice as potential steals could get Khan’s tenure off to a very fast start.
Likelihood of Improvement in 2023: Good. Khan’s moves seem very grounded in what should suit a Tomlin-coached team. The Steelers started slowly last season at 2-6 before charging down the stretch at 7-2. If the Steelers return to the playoffs, it is an improvement, but it would be more tangible with a playoff win.
The 2023 season is going to have a lot to do with how much improvement the quarterback displays on Sundays in the fall. Pickett's improved play can cover for any shortfalls in the offseason decision-making process by Khan. If Pickett takes a step forward and the offseason moves mostly pan out, the Steelers could be playing into late January.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, left, listens to Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada during the first day of the NFL football team’s minicamp, in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
If one or the other does not happen, the Steelers and their fans will be looking to blame someone. The organization needed a contingency plan if something goes wrong. Luckily, there is always Matt Canada.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Khan's offseason likely to produce a playoff victory? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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