Where the Pittsburgh Steelers land in ESPN's post Super Bowl power rankings

Shortly after the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, ESPN revealed their very early 2023 NFL power rankings. And ESPN had the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked a little higher than I expected. ESPN has the Steelers ranked as the No. 14 team in the NFL. (I thought […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Shortly after the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs' win against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, ESPN revealed their very early 2023 NFL power rankings.

And ESPN had the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked a little higher than I expected.

ESPN has the Steelers ranked as the No. 14 team in the NFL.

(I thought ESPN would throw some shade and rank Pittsburgh lower.)

From ESPN:

QB Kenny Pickett finished his rookie season on a high note, going 7-2 after the bye and throwing five touchdown passes to one interception in that stretch. Now it's about taking the next steps — both individually and as an offense. Pickett will continue working with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, back for another year, but now it's about giving Pickett and the offense the tools to score more points. That means upgrades to the scheme and personnel. At the top of the list, the Steelers have to figure out how to get wide receiver George Pickens more involved, and they should look to add offensive linemen and another offensive skill position player through the draft or free agency.

Steelers roster reset post 2023 NFL Draft
Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs from Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY SporPhilip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

I think that's a very fair ranking for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh finished the 2023 season on a strong note — nearly making the playoffs — but they still have a lot to prove.

Kenny Pickett appears to be one of the next great young quarterbacks, but he still has to prove he has what it takes to compete in the AFC with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.

The Steelers also have to prove that keeping Matt Canada as their offensive coordinator was the right decision.

Pittsburgh is currently a borderline playoff team, so having that No. 14 feels about right.

Featured image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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