The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face the San Francisco 49ers to open up the much-anticipated 2023 campaign. After an impressive offseason and preseason, expectations are suddenly high in the Steel City. Despite its first home season opener in several years though, the team still opens as 2.5-point underdogs against the NFC West opponent. That's understandable given the fact that the 49ers are coming off a trip to the NFC Championship in January.
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Fresh off a massive contract, 49ers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave will return to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
They have only upgraded their roster since then, including the signing of former Steelers defensive lineman, Javon Hargrave. It's expected to be one of the better NFL matchups in Week 1, as it's the headlined contest for the early slate of FOX games. In an appearance on the Third And Long podcast, 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead paid his respects to the Steelers. Specifically, he talked about what/who makes their offense dangerous for Week 1.
"Great team. They had a tremendous preseason. A lot of excitement around their team with their QB [Kenny Pickett] and [George] Pickens and a young running back Najee Harris who is a great player. They have playmakers all over the field and a good offensive line as well too that I'm excited about going against. They have a lot of talent, a great coach," Armstead said about his Week 1 opponent.
The talent has been there for the Steelers offense, even amidst the poor 2022 campaign. Play-calling has been the offense's biggest culprit and criticism over the past few seasons, as Matt Canada remains the offensive coordinator for 2023. While expectations are rising in Pittsburgh, that part of the offense is still a concern. If the preseason should show us anything though, it's that things look encouraging.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada enters his third season in the position, and he could be on the hot seat if he doesn't help his unit improve.
On the flip side, the Steelers offense will have their hands full on Sunday as well. The 49ers possess arguably the best, most loaded defense in the NFL. Star edge rusher Nick Bosa's status for the game was in doubt due to contract negotiations with the franchise. Finally, early in the week, the two sides agreed to a five-year, $170 million deal. He likely won't be fully fit, but his presence will still be felt.
How Will Steelers Defend Bosa In Week 1?
For Pittsburgh's offensive line, well, they prepared as if Bosa was playing all along. They will still have their hands full with the 2022 AP Defensive Player of the Year. The 49ers line him up all over the defensive line, which will make the Steelers have to make it a point of emphasis to find where he's lined up on each and every play. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. will specifically have to be ready, as he will face a good dosage of Bosa.
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Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. won the left tackle job over rookie first-rounder Broderick Jones, but he will now have to face some of the league's best pass rushers in the first month of the NFL season.
The league is aware. The talent is there for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pro Football Focus touted the Steelers as having the 10th-best roster in the NFL recently. In 2023, it will come down to execution and coaching, something that has been inconsistent in past seasons. It will be interesting to watch Armstead and the 49ers defensive line against the Steelers offensive line on Sunday, one of several key points to watch.
What do you think of these comments by Armstead ahead of Sunday's matchup? What is your biggest concern for this Steelers offense? Do they have enough talent to be an above-average unit on offense? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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