Steel Curtain: Pittsburgh Steelers Season Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise of sustained excellence. They have not had a losing season since 2003. Under Mike Tomlin, they have a record of 173-100-2. With two Super Bowls to boot, Tomlin has proven to keep Pittsburgh at an elevated standard. However, the Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, and have become somewhat of a high floor, low ceiling team. With two new QBs and a lack of pass catching depth, Pittsburgh needs to rely on their defense, led by All-Pro OLB JJ Watt to have a chance in a lethal AFC North division.

On offense, as mentioned, the Steelers have two new Quarterbacks. The likely starter is Russell Wilson, who signed a one year deal in March with the team after a failed stint in Denver. Wilson enters his 13th season and looks to bounce back to what he was in Seattle. Behind Wilson is fourth year signal caller Justin Fields from Chicago. Fields has consistently shown brief flashes, especially with his elite rushing ability, but the passing simply is yet to ever be starter-level for more than a game or two. The pair of QBs have a limited weapon set at their disposal, highlighted by George Pickens. After Pickens, there is the Running Back duo of Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, Tight End Pat Freiermuth and newly signed Wide Receiver Van Jefferson. The Steelers have been in lengthy discussions to acquire All-Pro Wideout Brandon Aiyuk, but those talks have hit a stalemate, and to this point it seems likely Aiyuk stays put in San Francisco.

download — PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 07: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium on December 7, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

On defense, it starts with Watt. The eighth year edge rusher comes off of an elite year where he led the league with 19 sacks, his third time in four years leading the NFL in that category. Alongside Watt is Cam Heyward, as well as Alex Highsmith, forming a pretty solid pass rush group. Former Baltimore Raven Patrick Queen joins the team as their Mike linebacker after inking a 3 year deal. In the backend, Donte Jackson and Joey Porter are on the outside with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Deshon Elliott manning the Safety spots.

It is tough to envision Pittsburgh as a more than 8 win team, especially in a stacked division with multiple Super Bowl hopefuls. However, as we mentioned, Mike Tomlin has a way of getting the most out of his rosters, regardless of the quality. With a uninspiring pass catching core, undecided Quarterback and a tough schedule, the Steelers will finish last in the AFC North, and have their first losing season in the Mike Tomlin era.

Schedule

@ Falcons- L

@ Broncos- W

Vs Chargers- W

@ Colts- L

Vs Cowboys- W

@ Raiders- W

Vs Jets- L

Vs Giants- W

@ Commanders- W

Vs Ravens- L

@ Browns- L

@ Bengals- L

Vs Browns- W

@ Eagles- L

@ Ravens- L

Vs Chiefs- L

Vs Bengals- L

Final Record: 7-10 (Last place in AFC North)

Key Additions

LB Patrick Queen, QB Justin Fields, QB Russell Wilson, WR Roman Wilson, WR Van Jefferson, CB Donte Jackson, Safety Deshon Elliott, OT Troy Fautanu

2023 Metrics

Offense

15th DVOA

25th PFF Grade

24th EPA/Play

28th Points

23rd Passing EPA

14th Rushing EPA

17th Pass Block Win Rate

12th Run Block Win Rate

Defense

6th DVOA

7th PFF Grade

12th EPA/Play

6th Points

9th Passing EPA

14th Rushing EPA

7th Pass Rush Win Rate

11th Run Stop Win Rate

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