The "way too early" predictions are out and most of the media has the Pittsburgh Steelers at or near the bottom of the AFC North and having a top 10 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. I however, am optimistic about the 2022 Steelers considering they have addressed many of the areas of need this off-season by revamping the offensive line, along with getting two new quarterbacks and adding more skill position players that are going to have a big impact day one.
The Steelers are going to have a young and athletic team in 2022 and here are three things you can guarantee will happen next season:
1) The Steelers Sneak Into The Playoffs
It took virtually until the final second of the regular season for the Steelers to solidify a playoff spot in 2021. I have a feeling it might be a different scenario come 2022. I personally have confidence this team can win 10 or 11 games this season, which is not something you're seeing from the rest of the media so far this off-season. It will, as always, depend on how healthy the defense can stay and also will heavily depend on how the quarterback situation turns out.
No matter who ends up being the starter Week 1, they will have to minimize the mistakes and growing pains and find a rhythm offensively, something the Steelers struggled with in 2021. In comparison to last season, the Steelers schedule is much easier all around. There is still plenty of tough games both on the road and at home, but thankfully the Steelers only will have to play the Las Vegas Raiders out of the AFC West which will likely be the toughest division in the NFL next season.
The Steelers will also play the NFC South, which includes games at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints and two roads games against the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. With the weaker schedule, improved offensive line and defense, and the young talent at the skill positions, I believe it is a real possibility to see the Steelers in the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the second half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game. // Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
2) Chase Claypool Finally Hits His Stride
The first two seasons for Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool have not been what was envisioned when the Steelers selected Claypool in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In Week 5 of his rookie season, Claypool recorded 4 touchdowns (1 rushing, 3 receiving) against the Philadelphia Eagles. Claypool went on to finish 2020 with 9 receiving touchdowns and 2 rushing.
After an impressive rookie season, it was expected that Claypool would continue to make strides and be the Steelers top receiver, but that was far from what happened. Claypool finished the season with only 2 receiving touchdowns and under 900 yards receiving. His playmaking abilities were not the only thing that was being questioned.
In the Steelers Week 14 matchup on Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings, on what could have been a game-tying drive, Claypool caught a pass on the Vikings 35-yard line with :40 seconds left in the 4th quarter and signaled for a first down instead of hurrying to get the ball back to the line of scrimmage. This ultimately cost the Steelers a whole play and lost while being stopped on the 11-yard line of the Vikings. After the game, there was a lot of criticism towards Claypool and the way he handled himself on the final drive. When Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin, was asked about the incident in Minnesota, he referred to them as "growing pains" and insisted Claypool is willing to be better and do better.
Claypool did seem to carry himself more maturely on the field in the remaining weeks of the season and I believe that will carry over into 2022. There is no question Claypool has the build and protentional to be the number one receiver on the Steelers roster and him maturing this off-season could lead to a big season in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) scores his forth touchdown of the game with Philadelphia Eagles. Photo/Don Wright) AP.
3) TJ Watt Will Have Another 20+ Sack Season
It is no question that the season put together by TJ Watt in 2021 will be forever remembered as one of the most impressive in not only Steelers history, but all of the NFL. Watt recorded an NFL record 22.5 sacks along with 5 forced fumbles and was the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. I personally don't see Watt slowing down anytime in the near future. Watt did suffer a groin injury midway through the season that sidelined him for two games, but if he can stay healthy, I believe Watt could be in for yet another big season.
The Steelers have added some depth to the defense as a whole along with Myles Jack at inside linebacker. The additions made this off-season along with an improving Alex Highsmith will be exactly what the Steelers need to get their defense back to being one of the best in the NFL.
What are your early predictions for the 2022 season, Steeler Nation? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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