Pittsburgh Steelers' General Manager, Omar Khan has been aggressive throught the 2023 offseason in adding new faces to the roster to help the team compete in an immensely competitive AFC North. The defending division champions, the Cincinnati Bengals, are considered the favorite to do so again in 2023, while the Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are poised to stake their claim as formidable opponents to the crown.
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The Steelers Are Poised To Win The AFC North In 2023
As it is with every season, the Steelers will need to perform well in divisional games to have a legitimate chance of cracking the playoffs next season. In 2022, the team split the series with each team, finishing with a record of 3-3 against AFC North foes. This mark will most likely need to improve if the Steelers have legitimate aspirations of dethroning the Bengals. While many would agree that the Steelers are much improved compared to last year, one insider foresees a rather dreadful showing in divisional games in 2023.
A recent article written by columnist and radio host, Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, takes a deep look at the Steelers' schedule and details why the team may be in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons in 2023. While the two Thursday night games are certainly less than ideal, Cook points out how the most difficult part of the schedule comes at the most pivotal point in the season, the last four games which will come against the Indianapolis Colts, Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Ravens.
The Colts might not be very good, but it is a road game for the Steelers. Joe Burrow’s Bengals are the Bengals. The Steelers are 1-7 in Seattle with five consecutive losses. The Steelers won in Baltimore late last season, but Lamar Jackson was injured and didn’t play. It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that the Steelers have collapsed at the end of three of the past five seasons," said Cook in regard to the Steelers' final stretch of regular season games in 2023.
Will The Steelers Improve Their Divisional Record In 2023?
The AFC North is widely regarded as one of the most talented divisions in the entire NFL. With the Bengals coming off of back-to-back deep postseason runs, and the Browns and Ravens boasting a tremendously impressive collection of talent on their rosters, the Steelers may face an uphill battle in 2023 in gaining divisional wins.
Cook would echo this sentiment, predicting the Steelers to go 1-5 against AFC North opponents in 2023. His only projected divisional win is the Week 2 matchup at home against the Browns. Overall, Cook has the Steelers suffering their first losing season of the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh, finishing the campaign at 8-9.
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The Steelers Have Never Had A Losing Season Under Head Coach, Mike Tomlin
The 1-5 record against the AFC North and overall losing record may seem a bit harsh, but there are legitimate questions facing the Steelers heading in to the regular season, perhaps most importantly regarding the level of play from second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett. The AFC is absolutely loaded with talent at the quarterback position and Pickett will need a strong showing in 2023 to emerge as a player who is capable of leading the team to victories in the playoffs.
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Steelers Kenny Pickett scrambling out of the pocket to avoid the Philadelphia Eagles pass rush during a Week 8 matchup in 2022
Furthermore, there is uncertainty about whether or not Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada possesses the necessary coaching ability to allow the Steelers to have an explosive offense. All of the talent in the world will not make up for poor play-calling. For the Steelers, if they hope to showcase their young playmakers such as George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris, among others this upcoming season, the attention to detail in the offensive schematics must be much improved.
With that being said, a full offseason as the team's starter at quarterback will do wonders for Pickett and the offensive line figures to be better in 2023 with the additions of Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo. Defensively, a healthy TJ Watt is certainly a good start, as the team will count on him to regain his form as one of the most dominant defenders in the entire league. Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick will lead the defensive line and secondary, respectively, as all three players have the potential to be All-Pro in 2023.
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Steelers Safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick Will Be A Vital Component Of The Team's Defense In 2023
Steelers Have Tough Task Ahead Of Them In 2023
Keeping Tomlin's streak of never having a losing season will be put to the test in 2023, as the AFC North figures to be as competitive as ever. If the Steelers hope to improve from last season and make a push for the playoffs, they will need a collective effort from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and an increase in production from many of their young stars. Get ready, Steeler Nation. The regular season will be here before you know it.
What are Yinz thoughts on the prediction of the Steelers going 1-5 in AFC North games in 2023? What are your predictions for the team's record? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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