The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2022 season is right around the corner, as Friday marks 100 days away from kickoff. After an up-and-down 2021 season that ended in a playoff loss, things look bright for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers this year. As OTA's are already in full swing, the expectations for the Steelers have already began to mount.
Let's take a look at three X-factors for Pittsburgh in 2022:
1) WR Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool endured a difficult sophomore season in 2021. He now heads into a crucial third year in Pittsburgh with a somewhat different-looking offense around him. Not only does he have a new quarterback throwing to him, but JuJu Smith-Schuster is gone while WRs Miles Boykin, Calvin Austin III, and George Pickens are now on the team. If Claypool can reach his potential in 2022, the team's upside would increase significantly. It would provide Pittsburgh with a tremendous No. 2 option behind Diontae Johnson and put less pressure on the rookies to perform in Year 1. It could even give the Steelers more confidence in the future of the WR group if they fail to extend Johnson.
2) DB Tre Norwood
The Steelers made conscious efforts this off-season to upgrade their roster, specifically the defensive back room. Levi Wallace and Damontae Kazee were signed in free agency, while Akhello Witherspoon and Terrell Edmunds were brought back. They opted to not bring back veteran corner Joe Haden, who remains a free agent. The defensive backfield was just one area of the team that struggled in 2021. A guy like second-year DB Tre Norwood will be crucial to the team's success in 2022. He is essentially the Swiss army knife of this group, as he can play safety, slot corner, and really anywhere on the field. Norwood was a surprising breakout player last season, as he was just a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now, he's an X-factor player for the Steelers and their defense this season.
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3) OG Kevin Dotson
Quarterback felt a bit too obvious here, so left guard Kevin Dotson it is. In order for the Steelers to improve in 2022, it begins with the offensive line. After a promising rookie season, Dotson endured a rocky sophomore season in the black and gold. Injuries played a role, as he didn't seem quite fully healthy at any point in the season. After bringing in Mason Cole and James Daniels in the off-season, the line seems ready to make a step in the right direction. Cole seems to be the starting center with Dotson at left guard and Daniels at right guard. That leaves Kendrick Green as the odd man out for now, but Dotson still must prove himself. If he can live up to expectations, it'll significantly help the potential of this offensive line and offense overall.
These guys are instrumental to how the Steelers fare in 2022. Do you agree with these three as X-factors for this year's team? Who would be your picks? Let us know below in the comments!
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