Happy NFL Schedule Release Day!
We've seen and heard the rumors and leaks about exactly when the Pittsburgh Steelers might play each of their 2022 opponents, but we won't officially know until tonight at 8pm ET. Until then, Steelers reporter, Missi Matthews presented some really fun and important facts about the Steelers' 2022 opponents late Wednesday night on Steelers.com. It included some interesting numbers and statistics regarding each opponent during the upcoming regular season, but that got us thinking, there are a lot of arousing storylines entering the year (probably way more so than in years past), so which one are we all most looking forward to seeing play out?
Today, we break down the Steelers' top 10 storylines heading into the 2022 regular season! Let's kick it off...
10. Steelers will play at Mercedes Benz Stadium for first time ever; last time to Atlanta was 2014
If there's any accuracy to the aforementioned schedule leaks, should Steeler Nation expect an earlier season matchup against the Atlanta Falcons? How important would a September or October win be to get this team's confidence going early? Not only could that happen, but Pittsburgh could do it with some authority by getting their first win all-time in the recently built (2017) Mercedes Benz Stadium. Pittsburgh has won their last three matchups with Atlanta, has gone to overtime three of the last five matchups, and has actually even tied Atlanta back in 2002. Regardless of the final outcome in 2022, I wouldn't be surprised if it's another photo-finish.
Photo via Centennial Park District
9. Minkah returns to Miami; Steelers haven't played Dolphins in Miami since 2016
Steelers All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick will make his first trip back to Miami to play against the Dolphins where he was originally drafted by the organization back in 2018. Pittsburgh beat Miami back in 2019 at Heinz Field where Fitzpatrick actually had two interceptions! We should note that this will be Brian Flores' first return as well who was the head coach there from 2019-2021. Get your popcorn ready.
Photo via The Athletic
8. First game vs Patriots since 2002 without both Roethlisberger and Brady
Time's are changing. For the first time since 2002, Pittsburgh will face the New England Patriots in a game that won't have both Ben Roethlisberger OR Tom Brady rostered on either side. We must be getting old.
Both franchises are tied for the league's most Super Bowls (six), and will look to obtain their seventh with new faces at the helm under center. Mac Jones is coming off a rookie Pro Bowl year as an alternate, while Pittsburgh, well, we'll get to that later...
Photo via Boston 25 News
7. First game against Brady as a Buc; Pittsburgh is 9-2 overall vs Tampa Bay
For the most part, Brady has pretty much owned Pittsburgh. He's 12-3 (3-0 postseason), and every postseason game against Pittsburgh was in the AFC Championship, which preceded Super Bowl victories. It's like we were his good luck charm or something.
Forget what you know or what you've been told however, as we're in a new era. Brady is now down in Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh will play him for the first time as a member of the Buccaneers. Will history repeat itself? Or did Brady's luck stay in New England?
Photo via ESPN
6. Bills 2021 Week 1 Rematch
We're positive the Buffalo Bills want some revenge against Pittsburgh after 2021's regular season opener where the Steelers beat the Bills, 23-16. Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt went absolutely OFF against Josh Allen and co. and I don't think they forgot. The Bills are arguably the best team in the AFC, and maybe even the league. Getting another win against them will be a great barometer as to where Pittsburgh stacks up against the rest of the conference.
Photo via NFL.com
5. 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception
You can't talk Steelers/Raiders and not bring up the "Immaculate Reception." Arguably the greatest play in NFL history and we get to celebrate its 5oth anniversary in 2022. The Raiders have had the Steelers' number in recent years, and all-time, they lead the season series 17-13. We're still thinking they probably have a little bit of hostility about that play way back in 1972. With newly acquired wide receiver, Davante Adams, let's hope the new edition of the Steel Curtain can keep the Raiders' offense in check.
Photo via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
4. Keeping the Browns at Bay
Pittsburgh swept Cleveland in their season series in 2021, and will look to keep the Browns grounded in 2022 as well. With Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper now in town, Pittsburgh will certainly see an improved Cleveland team, but speculation continues to swarm as fans are still unsure whether or not Watson will even play the full season due to his off-the-field legal troubles. Regardless of whether Pittsburgh faces Watson or not in 2022, they must be ready to keep their little brothers of the AFC North where they belong -- and that's at the bottom of the division.
Photo via USA Today
3. The 31st Matchup Between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh
The first regular season meeting in 2022 between these two iconic coaches will mark the second most games played between head coaches facing off against each other, which would tie Steve Owen and Curly Lambeau. Tomlin currently holds the slight edge with a record of 16-14 over Harbaugh.
The only two head coaches who have faced each other more in NFL history (including playoffs), are George Halas vs. Curly Lambeau (49 times).
Photo via USA Today
2. Overthrowing the Bengals
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals had their way with Pittsburgh in both matchups, sweeping the season series, 2-0. If Pittsburgh is to return to championship-caliber form, they'll need to prove that they can compete with the best teams in the AFC, and that starts within their own division.
Photo via NFL.com
1. QB1: Trubisky or Pickett?
This is going to be fun. From rookie camp to OTA's, mini-camp, training camp, and preseason, who will emerge as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback come Week 1? The newly acquired veteran presence of Mitch Trubisky could be the logical way to start the season, but if first round pick, Kenny Pickett is ready to go by September, why not start out with the future franchise quarterback right away? Let's not count out four-year veteran Mason Rudolph either. He's been in Roethlisberger's shadow his whole career, and if he finally wants the job, now is his time to shine.
Photo via The Sports Geek
For all of these storylines and more, check out the "By the Numbers" segment featuring Missi Matthews and the rest of the Steelers' 2022 opponents here.
Which opponent storyline entering the regular season is most intriguing to you? Which game are you most looking forward to? Click to comment below!
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