The Pittsburgh Steelers took their game to new heights in the 2023 preseason, scoring 24 or more points in every game and allowing 17 points or less, leading them to a 3-0 record. Pittsburgh has looked unstoppable in preseason play, and many fans are looking forward to the team replicating this play in the regular season. Running back Najee Harris isn't completely buying in on the hype, and knows that the Steelers will always have more work to do.
Matthew Papiernik
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) hands the ball off to running back Najee Harris (#22) against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 2022 regular season game.
In a recent interview, a reporter asked Harris about the impressive preseason performance in their first practice after beating the Atlanta Falcons 24-0. Harris was proud of the team and recognized how well they were playing, but explained that preseason performance doesn't always align with regular season performance. Harris is wary about the 2023 regular season, but has all the confidence in his teammates that they'll give 100% effort.
"I was thinking this all looks good now in the preseason, but this is where we have to focus in and worry about the regular season," Harris explained. "That's what matters most. We can't look at the media and social media and how good they are saying we are. [We're] staying focused and not buying into the fool's gold."
Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada agrees with Harris, noting that Pittsburgh went undefeated in the 2022 preseason as well. Going into their bye week, they were 2-6. The Steelers finished the season strong and came out with a 9-8 record, but it wasn't what the team wanted or expected. Canada doesn't want to fall into the same trap as the team did in 2022, and wants to stay focused on improving their game coming into the regular season.
"I'm happy where we are, but I probably said that a year ago," Canada said. "You're always working at it. I think we're better, more experienced."
Canada has been under fire recently for his play calls and offensive organizing, but the 2023 preseason performance has some fans looking the other way. Still, some are questioning if Canada can deliver in the regular season, but he seems confident in his own abilities. That paired with the offense being more experienced this year gives a new wave of comfortability in the offense, and everyone is excited to see the Steelers progress.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers have invested heavily in the offense in the draft over the past few years, using high picks on guys like Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris.
Kenny Pickett has been the best quarterback by far in the 2023 preseason, finishing with a perfect 158.3 passer rating and no turnovers. Jaylen Warren strengthened his campaign to be RB1 on the Steelers, cutting through on some huge runs, including a 62-yard touchdown rush against the Buffalo Bills during Week 2 of the 2023 preseason. Rookie offensive linemen Broderick Jones and Spencer Anderson improved their play significantly and solidified their spots on the roster. George Pickens is as impressive as ever, making highlight-reel catches look like just another day in the office. Pittsburgh has shown that they might have one of the best offensive units in the NFL, but will that play actually translate into the regular season?
Can the Steelers Ride the Hype Train?
Steel City fans are very optimistic coming into the 2023 preseason. The offense has been clicking, the defense is stifling, and every part of the team is gelling together. But as Harris and Canada stated before, teams need to be apprehensive about their preseason performance. The Baltimore Ravens recently had the longest-ever preseason win streak at 25 games, but have only won one playoff game during that span.
Preseason performance is very hard to replicate during the regular season, as it's not always a guarantee one team's first-team offense will go up against the other's first-team defense, or vice versa. No team in recent history has had as much preseason praise as the Steelers, and no player has than Pickett. Pittsburgh is looking to make some big splashes in the NFL in 2023, and they open against a tough opponent in the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers have a lot to build off of and a lot of players left to develop, and only time will tell how good this new-look Steeler team will be.
What do you think of Harris' and Canada's view of the regular season? Will the Steelers fall short of their preseason hype? Give us your thoughts in a comment!
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