This is the time of the year when everyone makes their “resolutions” to try and make themselves better. The players for the Pittsburgh Steelers are no different, and probably have some of their own. There’s ways we all can feel or be better, and the Steelers can too, which could help them both on and off the field.
George Pickens: Handle his frustrations better
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
There are plenty of examples of Pickens getting angry or frustrated. There were a few times where he was pouting on the sideline, and there was also him taking a cheap shot on a Cincinnati Bengals player after a failed onside kick. His attitude issues led to him falling down the draft boards in the first place, and they could cause issues for the Steelers down the road.
The solution is simply what every single coach preaches: let it out during the play. He can release the anger on run plays by throwing a hard block. He can shove a cornerback that’s playing press coverage, like he did in preseason. He can try to power through a defender when the ball is in his hands. Football is a physical game, and there are plenty of ways he can release his anger and aggression. As long as he doesn’t hurt himself or the team in the process, he can find plenty of ways to let out his frustration.
Kenny Pickett: Be comfortable with whoever the Steelers have at OC
sportingnews.com
There have been many reports that Matt Canada will be gone at season’s end. Pickett and Canada have started getting comfortable with each other and growing together. If Canada stays as offensive coordinator, they need to continue to grow and develop together for optimal success in 2023. However, as mentioned earlier, Canada will most likely not have his contract re-upped this coming off-season.
Pickett needs to make sure he can get calm and comfortable with whoever comes in, whether they promote Mike Sullivan to OC, bring in an outside guy like Frank Reich, or whoever comes in at all, within the organization or not, whether they’re good or bad. Pickett can’t fret about who comes in and runs the offense. Just continue to focus on getting better every practice, every game, and every year.
Chris Boswell: Don’t let the struggles of 2022 carry into 2023
Pittsburgh Steelers punter, Pressley Harvin III (#6) and kicker, Chris Boswell (#9) during a game in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Matt Freed/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Through 15 weeks, Boswell has been struggling with injuries and terrible conditions, leading to a troubling 68% FG% for the season, although he’s been perfect on PAT's. Many people remember his horrible 2018 season, where he had a 65% FG%, and also had some issues with PAT's. He rebounded very nicely in 2019, and had a few more great years before this year. It’s a little more excusable this year with struggling in a major windstorm and a snowstorm in the same season, but it’s still not a good look.
Whatever the mindset that Boswell had going into 2019, he needs to have it again. A second down year is not ideal at all, but if he could rebound from 2018’s disaster, he can rebound from 2022 just fine. He still needs to get better in bad conditions of course, but it’s possible, and Boswell should be able to get it done. The Steelers need him to get back on track, especially with the fact that he just signed an extension. As long as he does, he’ll be fine and this struggling season will be forgotten about.
What other potential Steelers New Year’s resolutions are there? Let us know in the comments. Happy New Year.
#SteelerNation
