The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2022 season strong, winning seven of their last nine games and nearly sneaking in to the playoffs. With Kenny Pickett answering the question of who will replace the legendary Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, the front office has been able to devote much of their attention to rounding out a roster that is hungry to make some serious noise in 2023. With that being said, there are still quite a few skeptics of the Steelers who believe the team is not a legitimate contender this upcoming season.
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Steelers QB1, Kenny Pickett Is Poised To Cement Himself As The Long-Term Answer At Quarterback In 2023
A recent article posted on NFL.com written by Eric Edholm lists the "Top 10 most complete teams for the 2023 season." Interestingly enough, both the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens make the cut at number four and number seven, respectively. The Steelers, on the other hand, failed to land on the list.
This did not sit well with writer/editor for steelers.com, Dave Lolley. During his most recent edition of "5 For Friday," on the Steelers' official website, he explains how the team has done a tremendous job of adding depth at various positions of need this offseason and is more than ready to compete for an AFC North title in 2023.
"If you look at the starters and then the depth the Steelers have acquired this offseason, they're in better shape overall than any of the other teams in the division. Or, at least arguably so," described Lolley in regard to the Steelers being left off the list of "NFL's Top-10 Most Complete Teams For The 2023 Season.
What Positions Do The Steelers Still Have Questions At Heading In To 2023?
As Lolley points out in the piece, the Steelers' signing of outside linebacker, Markus Golden has filled the last noticeable position of need for the team. While some may argue that Omar Khan could have done a better job of revamping the inside linebacker group, both Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts figure to be upgrades over the likes of Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Robert Spillane.
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New Steelers ILB, Elandon Roberts, Has The Opportunity To Lead The Defense In Tackles This Upcoming Season
In terms of his reasoning behind why the Steelers possess a more well-rounded roster compared to other AFC North teams, Lolley explains how the Bengals find themselves in a bit of a tricky situation financially with having to extend star quarterback, Joe Burrow. As a result, the team has seen many talented players leave the building, such as both of their starting safeties in Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.
For the Ravens, Lolley provides an abundance of evidence as to why the Steelers are in better shape to win in 2023.
"Baltimore? Outside of talented inside linebacker Roquan Smith, there's really not one established player in the Ravens' front seven. And while some are trumpeting the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. at wide receiver, realize that since 2020, he has appeared in 21 games, tore his ACL twice and caught 67 passes for 856 yards and eight touchdowns," said Lolley regarding the Ravens' roster.
Furthermore, he details how the Steelers' signing of Allen Robinson may compare much more favorably to the Ravens' addition of Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason.
"The Steelers, meanwhile, brought in Allen Robinson in a move that was pooh-poohed by some. Robinson, who will essentially be the Steelers' No. 3 receiver and work out of the slot. He has caught 173 passes for 1,999 yards and 10 touchdowns since 2020. Oh, he's also the same age as Beckham, as well," said Lolley about Robinson fitting in with the Steelers.
Lastly, Lolley mentions how the Cleveland Browns still have a number of questions at various positions, such as linebacker, safety, and quarterback. Additionally, the jury is still out on whether or not Deshaun Watson has what it takes to re-establish himself as a top-flight quarterback going in to next season.
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The Steelers Will Rely Upon Players Such As George Pickens In 2023 To Help Them Win The AFC North
The Time Is Now For The Steelers
Needless to say, the success of the 2023 Steelers will be largely contingent upon the second-year jump for Pickett. Fortunately for the young signal caller, he will have a much-improved roster versus his rookie campaign, most notably in the offensive line. With a full offseason as the team's unquestioned quarterback, there is reason to believe he will make the necessary plays to win football games, according to Lolley.
"Given the depth of this team and the nest the Steelers have built around Pickett, he doesn't need to be Superman for this team to win. He just needs to be a competent NFL quarterback," said Lolley regarding Pickett's level of play in 2023.
While many around the league are predicting the Ravens, Bengals, or Browns to win the division this upcoming season, there is a growing sense of optimism within the Steelers' organization that the team is ready to shock the world in 2023. With an improved roster and a young quarterback who is ready to take the next step, the time is now for the Steelers to regain the AFC North crown.
What are your thoughts on the Steelers being left off the Top-10 list? Do you believe the Steelers are more well-rounded compared to other AFC North teams? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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