Steelers Would Absolutely Be "In Much Worse Shape" If It Weren't For Omar Khan

It is safe to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a less-than-ideal start to their 2025 season. After winning four of their first five games, they have lost back-to-back games. While this Aaron Rodgers-led offense (25.0 points per game) is trying its best, Pittsburgh is currently ranked 30th in total defense (386.0 yards allowed). However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin's team is still in first place in the AFC North, and it was General Manager Omar Khan who put this team together this season. While Khan has his fair share of doubters and upset fans, insider Mark Kaboly is in full support of the work that Khan has done this year.

Kaboly took to social media on Wednesday to speak about the job that Khan has done as his team approaches the halfway point of the season.

"If it weren't for Khan, this team would be in much worse shape than it is perceived to be," Kaboly said. "Look how he got a starting safety, Kyle Dugger, from the Patriots on Tuesday for absolutely nothing."

Citing the team's recent trade for veteran safety Kyle Dugger, Kaboly believes Khan has done an admirable job at his post this year and in previous years. The 48-year-old general manager has been with the organization since 2001. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he knows better than anybody the way the organization likes to move. While it hasn't been as aggressive in years past, the team has gone all in on this season. 

Khan and co. most notably signed the future Hall of Fame signal-caller in Rodgers, multiple Pro Bowl cornerbacks in Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, as well as star wide receiver DK Metcalf. While everything hasn't exactly gone according to plan, through seven games, again, the team is sitting in first place. If the season ended today, it would be hosting a Wild Card playoff game in January. That is the bottom line, and Khan himself is also continuing to look for ways to improve the team.

It's All On the Steelers Coaching Staff And Players Now

Khan has improved the roster from a year ago, especially on paper. However, after an inconsistent 4-3 start, the coaches and players need to really step up. Tomlin, who has been the head coach in the Steel City for nearly two decades, has seen everything that there is to see in the league. But with just one Super Bowl victory in this timeframe and another uninspired start to this year, the pressure is quietly mounting. The fans are growing impatient, and players like Rodgers, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Ramsey, and Slay are on the backside of their careers. Nevertheless, this team can still play good football right now in the present. That much is true after performances such as the one a few weeks ago against the Cleveland Browns took place.

On the horizon for the Steelers is a tough stretch of games. A home game against the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts, a road game against the 5-3 Los Angeles Chargers, and another date with the Cincinnati Bengals, who just beat Pittsburgh two weeks ago, are nearing. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh will also still have to face the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens (twice). It won't be easy, but this team is going to have to build on the wins and learn from losses when they come. One of the many reasons why football is the best team sport in the world is that every member of the organization, from the owner on down to the last player on the practice squad, has to do their part. If a player misses a play-call or a general manager fails to pull the trigger on a trade, that could really mean the difference between winning and losing. While Khan has largely done his part, it is time for Tomlin and his team. to hit their ceiling.

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