PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Super Bowl over. It's been a dozen years since the Steelers were in it. Can the Steelers be Super Bowl contenders next season?
The short answer is unlikely. They did improve as the season continued and they did it during a rebuilding year. However, the number of questions this team faces and the depth of the AFC, doesn't seem like Super Bowl or bust in 2023.
Let's play what if? Here is a six-pack of things that need to happen for the Steelers to surprise the NFL and be Super Bowl contenders this coming season.
1-Kenny Pickett –Steelers must get better play from the quarterback position if they are going to contend for a Super Bowl. That's not to say that Pickett didn't improve, but they beat the Colts, Raiders, Falcons, Panthers, Browns and Ravens, with a third-string quarterback, down the stretch. A few of those games needed, while impressive, last minute drives. Super Bowl winning coach Brian Billick said it with the PM Team it's the biggest offseason of Pickett's career. He must bring a more consistent game in 2023.
2-Offense building – It's hard for Pickett to build without a better plan. It appeared offensive coordinator Matt Canada and Pickett grew as the season did. The Steelers thought enough of it to retain Canada for the season. Pickett is the key, but there must be a more diverse offense, full of not just a few go routes, but more opportunities for George Pickens. Najee Harris needs to have a complete season that looks like the second half. The offensive line needs to show what we saw at the end of last year is not the ceiling. A senior offensive assistant to bring fresh ideas would help, maybe one who has worked with Andy Reid.
3-Fill holes on defense – Steelers have a number of free agents this year. Assuming you don't bring everyone back, there are holes to fill. Who are your starting corners? Is Larry Ogunjobi and/or Chris Wormley back, if not who steps up. What do you get in free agency to help a defensive line that needs more out of its rotation. There could be some safety questions depending on free agency, but you still have Minkah Fitzpatrick (tied for NFL lead in interceptions). TJ Watt and Cam Heyward. Here is the big question-can you ever get a splash play from a middle linebacker? Devin Bush had two tackles for loss. Myles Jack had three TFL Robert Spillane had one sack and four TFL. They combined to force or recover no turnovers and had barely any impact from that position. That doesn't change, the Steelers aren't going anywhere.
4-Free agency – Several key players on defense are free agents. Not only is Cam Sutton a must-sign to return, but what's the plan for safety next to Minkah? Do you bring Ahkello Witherspoon back? How do you help the depth at defensive and offensive line? How about another receiver, back-up tight end if Zach Gentry leaves? A low-key important question-are Quincy Roche and Jamir Jones enough of a two-deep behind Watt and Alex Highsmith? You need at least a strong third. Must clear cap space and find some help.
5-Killer draft – The Draft will be impacted, obviously, but what you get in free agency. It's why you brought Andy Weidl over from Philadelphia. He set up their draft boards and you have three picks in the top 50. Must home run on two of the three and the other must play. Steelers have plenty of needs, this first Omar Khan/Weidl draft could springboard the team to be contenders or continue a languish around .500.
6-Others screwing up – Even if you do most of what is listed above, there are a lot of good teams in the AFC, two that finished above you in the division. Steelers would need help with those teams making bad decision or having bad luck to make a significant rise in 2023. The Bengals have Joe Burrow and $35 million to spend currently under the cap. Yes, safety Jesse Bates is a free agent, but they got money to either re-sign him or find another plus improve their line. Ravens have a big question at quarterback, that helps.
Chiefs currently have $7 million to spend with Patrick Mahomes, New England has Bill O'Brien back as offensive coordinator and $33 million to spend. What if the Jets acquire a quarterback? The Bills are still good. If Tua stays healthy, how good is Miami? Are the Jaguars just tapping into their potential, even though they have cap issues? Tennessee's Mike Vrabel is a really good coach. Are the Browns… ok forget that. Point is it's a loaded AFC.
Could the Steelers be in the next Super Bowl? Possibly, but a lot would have to go right over the next 12 months. The bigger lesson is to continue to rebuild your base, if the Steelers go chasing a championship in 2023 with short-term solutions, they will set themselves back even further.
