Steelers latest playoff chances are mind-boggling
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing season. In a 2022 campaign that saw many adversities, the team was unable to make the playoffs despite taking care of their own business down the stretch. Finishing at or above .500 yet again, while the streak is notable, seasons that result in anything but a Super […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing season. In a 2022 campaign that saw many adversities, the team was unable to make the playoffs despite taking care of their own business down the stretch.
Finishing at or above .500 yet again, while the streak is notable, seasons that result in anything but a Super Bowl are seen as upsetting in the Steel City, with the playoffs a non-negotiable.
So with BetOnline.Ag releasing their playoff chances for all 32 teams in 2023, fans and players will sure to be unsettled.
Sitting at 17th best in terms of playoff chances at a mere 37.7%, the Steelers are garnering little respect based on their reputation.
And while I don't believe in resting on your laurels, and I understand prior performances don't dictate future outcomes, this is a fairly laughable set of expectations in my opinion.
You're telling me, that a team with storied success, coming off their version of a rebuilding year, fielding a ragtag group of offensive linemen, multiple quarterbacks, and a banged-up defense isn't going to improve in 2023?
Kenny Picket should only continue to develop, as he becomes more comfortable by the day in an NFL environment.
The offensive line has seen improvements through free agency and still has a chance to level up in the draft.
And the defense needs no introduction if T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and newly acquired Patrick Peterson are out there on Sundays.
So how in the world, are division rivals like the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens in front of Pittsburgh?
As it stands right now, which of those three teams has the most stable situation at football's most important position of quarterback?
The Browns and Deshaun Watson?
He looked a shell of himself during his action late in Cleveland's season. Sure he may reclaim the form that saw him garner top-five quarterback talk while in Houston, but he has to show me first.
And while no reasonable Steeler fan would say Pickett is better than Lamar Jackson, the odds of him playing for the Ravens next season seem to be worst than ever.
So I don't know, maybe I'm the one too bullish on the projection of the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers.
What I do know, is that the leadership at the top is still in place, there is continuity amongst the offense, key additions to the linebacking corps and an upcoming draft will three picks in the top 50.
So just keep creating narratives for Tomlin and the veteran leaders to conjure up as bulletin board material.
Vegas may end up losing on this one.
