PFF Analyst Sees Signs Steelers Can Be A Top Half Offense And Even Compete For 2023 AFC North Title

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense in 2022 was not good. Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada faced heavy criticism for his play-calling while leading a unit that finished dead last in passing touchdowns, fourth in turnovers, 23rd in total yards, and 26th in points scored. Despite all that, the team managed to keep pace for the AFC Wild Card until the very end of the season. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus thinks the unit has a real chance to be much improved in 2023.

Spielberger was very encouraged by Kenny Pickett's play in the preseason, like some other analysts. He thinks that is one of two major factors that will make Pittsburgh a top-half of the league offense in 2023 with the potential to be top-10.

If they can make that leap to an upper-echelon unit, Spielberger said the team should be competing for an AFC North title and could possibly win a playoff game or two. Pickett will be a major catalyst for success and Spielberger said if his exhibition game work continues, Pittsburgh will be in a good spot. 

"[Kenny is] barely hitting the ground with the ball and spreading it around as well was good to see," he said. "It's not like he was peppering certain players with targets."  

The numbers back up the analyst's observations. Pickett was 13 for 15 throughout three preseason games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons. He completed passes to five different players. 

Pittsburgh has a full arsenal of potential weapons in the passing game in 2023. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are expected to eat most of the targets, but Allen Robinson should play a key role as well. 

Calvin Austin III is a little bit of an unknown. He has only played three preseason games, but Spielberger said he has started looking like the player he thought he could be out of college. He showed his ability to get downfield against backups in Tampa Bay with a nice 67-yard touchdown catch from Mason Rudolph.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth will also be a weapon in the passing game, particularly in the middle of the field. Darnell Washington was another name Spielberger mentioned as he's heard the big tight end is ahead of schedule. With his six-foot-seven frame, he should be a useful option for Pickett in the red zone. 

Finally, both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will have roles in the passing game, in addition to their running duties, either on screens or as a dump-off option.

Steelers Offensive Line Improvements A Key For 2023 Leap

Spielberger was asked quite a bit by hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the offensive line and he thinks the unit can be "really good." 

"I think the depth is a really big piece," he said. " It [the offensive line] won't cause problems and if they have a couple of injuries, they should be ok." 

He highlighted the left tackle position where rookie Broderick Jones is still fighting with Dan Moore Jr. for a starting spot. Spielberger said that whoever loses the job will become an "extremely good swing tackle." 

He added that he is very encouraged by the depth at the interior offensive line positions too, even after the trade of Kevin Dotson to the Los Angeles Rams. He highlighted the addition of Nate Herbig, who spent some time with Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

He didn't even mention Pittsburgh's probably biggest offseason addition of former Eagles guard, Isaac Seumalo. He instantly represented an upgrade over Dotson and will be a leader for the unit in 2023. 

Even if it's not a top 10 or 15 unit by the numbers, Spielberger said it will still be a much-improved unit. That should help Pickett be able to distribute the ball to his talented group of pass catchers and give Harris and Warren a boost in the ground game. 

Do you think Pittsburgh can be a top-10 offense in 2023? Where do you think they need to be to be a serious competitor in the division and the postseason? Comment below!

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