Expectations for the 2022 Steelers
Image: Courtesy of: Barry Reeger AP
As the preseason comes to a close and the regular season inches closer, I wanted to look at the expectations for the 2022 Steelers. There is no doubt the Steelers are in for a long season.
Partially due to the fact they will face off against six playoff teams from the year before, and a few teams that seem to be improving as the years go on i.e., the Browns, and Dolphins. But a few housekeeping items as well also may anchor their season down.
Most notable is the quarterback situation. It’s no secret that Mitch Trubisky will be the Week one starter in Cincinnati. But it’s also no secret that it’s his job to lose and he will be on a very short leash when the Steelers kick off their 2022 campaign. He was never supposed to be the permanent successor to Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers needed an answer at quarterback and they found their answer a few feet away from them. The Steelers are taking a chance with Kenny Pickett, given the fact that next year’s quarterback class will be much better than this year’s. Nonetheless, Pickett has shown he could be thrown in as the starter sooner rather than later in 2022. The only thing is that he hasn’t had a tone of competition in the preseason. In his debut, he played with third-string players going up against other third-string players. In week two, he faced the Jaguars. His real test(s) will come when he faces better teams with better defenses. That’s when he’ll prove himself. But if Trubisky plays well then by all means let him play. But the biggest concern is the offensive line.
This offensive line is not good. It’s atrocious. The game against the Jaguars in the preseason was the best example of that. The O-line is going to have a big factor in the Steeler’s offense. If they can hold and give Trubisky or Pickett enough time to throw down the field, or give Najee Harris a hole to run through, then this offensive could surprise some people. But if they can’t hold or create holes, then it is going to be a disastrous season for the offense, and Trubisky or Pickett should strengthen their cardio.
On the defensive side, there is less to worry about. Impact players like Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick will make are no question difference makers. Not to mention some guy named T.J Wyatt who finally got his overdue Defensive Player of the Year award last season. However, this is the last straw for linebacker Devin Bush who hasn’t produced exceptionally since his rookie campaign. His fifth-year option was declined so he will be a free agent at the end of the season. He recently stated that he’d like to stay in Pittsburgh but if he doesn’t perform like the first-round pick they thought he was, then his time with the Steelers is narrowing down.
All in all, this team has some potential, but there will be growing pain this year. So, I expect this will be a rocky season for the Black and Gold. But never count out Mike Tomlin as he has never had a losing season as a head coach. But this year of all years seems like the year it is most likely to happen. If there is one coach that can something out of nothing it’s Tomlin.
But if I’m the Steelers, you have to take it game by game and decide whom you think is the better quarterback that will help your team win. This team will be good again, just have to give it some time.
