Steelers superstar says exactly what Mike Tomlin won't say

The Pittsburgh Steelers probably aren't going to win a Super Bowl this season. But that's not a surprise — no one was expecting the team to run the table in 2022. That's because this season, despite the fact that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin won't say it, is a rebuilding year for Pittsburgh. This is […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers probably aren't going to win a Super Bowl this season.

But that's not a surprise — no one was expecting the team to run the table in 2022.

That's because this season, despite the fact that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin won't say it, is a rebuilding year for Pittsburgh.

This is the Steelers' first season since 2003 without Ben Roethlisberger on the roster. And as we all know, it's all about the quarterback in the NFL. Teams don't usually get very far without an elite quarterback.

It's possible the Steelers have an elite quarterback in rookie Kenny Pickett — it's far too early to know either way — but even if he turns out to be a superstar, no one was expecting him to lead Pittsburgh to the promised land in year one.

(I don't think anyone was expecting free agent addition Mitch Trubisky to be the second coming of Tom Brady, either.)

Kenny Pickett (8) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with his teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers Vs New York Jets Week 4
Kenny Pickett (8) of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with his teammates during the second half against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 2, 2022.Pittsburgh Steelers Vs New York Jets Week 4

Tomlin may not want to call this a rebuilding year (which is understandable — good coaches don't make excuses), but wide receiver Diontae Johnson wasn't afraid to say it to reporters on Sunday after Pittsburgh's loss to the New York Jets.

Johnson didn't want to use it as an excuse, but he made sure folks know that this is a rebuilding year for the Steelers.

The Steelers simply aren't in the same position as some other teams in the AFC.

And that's not shocking. Teams go through ups and downs. Sports are cyclical in nature and right now Pittsburgh is going through a valley. Soon, though, they'll peak again. Maybe later this season. Or maybe next year. Whenever it is, fans should know that the sky isn't falling because the team is going through a bit of a rough patch. They'll figure out life without Roethlisberger and eventually, they'll be a contender again.

Until then, everyone just needs to relax.

Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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