The Pittsburgh Steelers have their work cut out for them in 2022. The narrative that surrounds the Steelers' 2022 roster is that they're not going to be very good this season due to the transition into a "new era."
The Steelers have some valuable playmakers on both sides of the ball, though. The team has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) TJ Watt, strong leadership in DL Cam Heyward, and the highest paid safety in the game, Minkah Fitzpatrick on the defensive side of the things.
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On the other side of the ball, stellar running back, Najee Harris looks to lead the way with help from WRs Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool along with impressive second-year tight end, Pat Freiermuth. The team's biggest question is at the quarterback position, but whether it's free agent signee, Mitch Trubisky, or first rounder, Kenny Pickett, the Steelers have to surround them with a great supporting cast. The team certainly has the roster to do that in this upcoming season!
On Friday, NFL Network's morning show, Good Morning Football (GMFB) did a segment in which they discussed questions of the AFC North and checklists for each team to be successful in the upcoming season. Former NFL cornerback, Darius Butler discussed the Steelers’ checklist.
He started off by saying one of the keys was the team naming Trubisky starter on day one of training camp. He then went into detail about the other keys for the Steelers this season.
AP Photo / Keith Srakocic
"Manage Najee Harris," Butler stated on the show. "Manage his touches throughout the season. Don't run him into the ground early. Let him hit his stride late in the season. You're going to have to ride his coattail down the stretch. This is a young offensive line, you help young offensive lines by running the ball. You don't have them going backwards all the time."
Butler, then, went on to talk about the other playmakers on offense for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) scores his forth touchdown of the game with Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod (23) defending, on a 35-yard pass play from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Don Wright)AP
"Diontae Johnson is going to be awesome outside," Butler said matter-of-factly. "But Chase Claypool, he went out and made a bold statement earlier this off season, says he's a top three wide receiver. Let's put him in position to thrive. He has talent, he's a big play guy that can go up and get the ball. Challenge him early in training camp to have his best season yet."
Claypool reaching his potential this season would be huge for the team's offense. He's shown great ability, he just has to mature in a few areas before he can reach his ceiling.
Butler then went on to discuss the importance of the Steelers' defense this season.
"The other thing I think about when I think about the Steelers, their defense, they have one of the most expensive defenses in the league. Every year, they're getting after the quarterback, it's 'Blitzburgh' out there. You got Cam Heyward, you got TJ Watt, you paid Minkah, let's have the best defense in the NFL this year."
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, TJ Watt (#90) celebrates a sack at Heinz Field on October 17, 2021. | AP Photo / Matt Durisko
The defense certainly has the pieces do so in 2022 and I wouldn't be surprised to see them ranked near the top of the league in most statistical categories, barring anything catastrophic. It's well known by now, but if the Steelers are going to have a successful season this year, they'll have to rely on the defense and the running game, first and foremost. If the passing game comes together, this Steelers team could be dangerous!
Check out the clip in its entirety here!
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