On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have an improved level of talent on their roster going into 2023 compared to this past season. Depth has been added at both offensive and defensive line, in addition to the team bringing in playmakers at inside linebacker, wide receiver, and cornerback. With this being said, the question still remains of whether or not General Manager Omar Khan did enough to compete with the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and Buffalo Bills this upcoming season. Needless to say, much of this will be determined by second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett, who will enter 2023 as the unquestioned starting signal-caller for the Steelers.
ABIGAIL DEAN / PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Steelers' Kenny Pickett Enters 2023 As The QB1
Fans are undoubtedly hoping that the Steelers are able to carry the momentum from the second half of the 2022 season into 2023. With Pickett at the helm, the team nearly snuck their way into the postseason after starting the season at 2-6. Perhaps the biggest reason why the Steelers got hot this past season was the improved level of production on the offensive side of the ball. In addition to Pickett serving as an upgrade over Mitch Trubisky, the running game comprised of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren was highly effective.
Some view the Steelers as a dark-horse candidate to make some serious noise this season and challenge the Bengals for an AFC North title. However, there are also others who believe that as long as Matt Canada is the play-caller in Pittsburgh, the offense will struggle in keeping up with the powerhouses of the conference. These skeptics would include NFL analytics expert, Warren Sharp, who recently posted a video on why he believes the Steelers might fail to make the postseason once again in 2023.
"This offense has not been explosive. Last season, they only had seven touchdowns of 10-plus yards, lowest in the NFL. Kenny Pickett, when throwing the football 10-plus yards down the field ranked dead-last in yards per attempt," explained Sharp.
Will Canada Hold Back The Steelers Offense In 2023?
Sharp's analysis of the Steelers offense in 2022 is fair, as the unit struggled in creating big-time plays in the passing game. Part of this struggle was likely a result of the quarterback change that took place early in the season. However, as he points out in the video, play-calling also played a significant role in limiting the offense from racking up yards this past season. As a result, Pickett had to be nearly perfect on critical third-down conversions, something that may be extremely difficult to replicate in 2023, according to Sharp.
"As a result of not being able to generate explosive plays, they had to be brilliant on third-downs. They won six of their last seven games in large part of because of Kenny Pickett being brilliant on third-down, but on early downs, he was below average. I don't think they're going to be able to sustain their efficiency on third-downs next year."
As much as fans are excited to see the jump Pickett makes in Year 2, he will only be as effective as the play-calling in which he receives. Is this the season in which Canada finally pieces things together and takes the Steelers offense to new heights? Optimistically speaking, yes, as the team has no shortage of talent at every offensive position. However, there is no guarantee that this upcoming season will be any better than 2022.
GENE J. PUSKAR / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada, Will Need A Strong Showing In 2023 To Stick Around In Pittsburgh
The Time Is Now For The Steelers To Re-Assert Themselves Atop The AFC
The task of de-throning the Chiefs as AFC Champions is daunting, as they have made three out of the past four Super Bowls, winning two of them. However, this should serve as no excuse for the Steelers to continue their steak of not winning playoff games. Interestingly enough, the last time the team won a playoff game was in the 2016 campaign, defeating the Chiefs by a score of 18-16. With a young, mobile quarterback who is capable of making every NFL-level throw, combined with an abundance of All Pro-caliber players on the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers are well equipped to improve their win total in 2023.
In order to beat teams such as the Chiefs as well as the Bengals and Bills, the Steelers must be able to go blow-for-blow in making big-time plays down the field. Fortunately, the team's top trio of receivers of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson, along with tight end Pat Freiermuth, are arguably the best group of pass catchers the Steelers have had in quite some time. Along with a steady diet of Harris and Warren in the run game, and the Steelers have the necessary pieces to keep up with the big boys of the AFC. Perhaps the only major concern from an offensive perspective is Canada. Let's just hope this upcoming season is different than year's past. Otherwise, the Steelers may be looking for a new offensive coordinator in 2024.
CHARLES LECLAIRE - USA TODAY SPORTS
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth And Diontae Johnson Will Be Huge Components Of The Team's Offense In 2023
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
Do you view Sharp's criticism of the Steelers to be fair? Will the offense be better in 2023 than 2022? Will Matt Canada be the offensive coordinator in 2024? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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