For years, the Pittsburgh Steelers were an unstoppable force in the AFC North. Since 2001, the Steelers brought home 10 AFC North titles while the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have won six a piece. As the Ben Roethlisberger era was coming to a close, the other AFC North teams were ramping up and building their offenses.
The Ravens, Bengals and Cleveland Browns all acquired Heisman-winning quarterbacks while the Steelers didn't plan for Roethlisberger's replacement until it was the only choice they had. With the Ravens led by 2019 league MVP Lamar Jackson, the Bengals coming off of a Super Bowl run and the Browns acquiring Deshaun Watson, the black and gold were projected to finish last in the AFC North.
GETTY IMAGES
Steelers Ben Roethlisberger celebrates Super Bowl XLIII victory
At First, Life For The Steelers After Roethlisberger Wasn't Pretty
While the 2022 season wasn't pretty, it wasn't an absolute failure like some expected. Kenny Pickett was able to come up huge in the big moments and he led the team to a 7-2 record down the stretch. This put Pittsburgh, who had a 2-6 start to the season, in decent standing to make the playoffs. Just as the offense began to come together, the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets in a crucial Week 18 matchup, knocking the Steelers out of playoff contention.
Matt Freed/Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Kenny Pickett, a fellow rookie, in a 28-14 victory against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Jan. 8, 2023.
Though the Steelers' momentum came to a screeching halt at the end of the season, Pickett won over the hearts of Pittsburgh and the offense proved that they can compete. With General Manager Omar Khan putting together one of the best offseasons in recent history, the future looks bright in Pittsburgh. Not everyone is convinced, however. A year and winning season later, the Steelers are once again given the worst odds to win the AFC North.
Current odds to win the AFC North:
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 8, 2023
Bengals +120
Ravens +275
Browns +360
Steelers +550
(Via @CaesarsSports)
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports isn't listening to the critics, and he has held onto faith that the Steelers will be able to do what they do best under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. And that one thing is to win.
"One more best bet I like from the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers over 8 and 1/2 wins. Look, Mike Tomlin just doesn't have losing seasons. You've heard that stat a million times. Somehow, the Steelers didn't have a losing season last year. They had a good offseason. Kenny Pickett should be better at quarterback."
Schwab brings up a good point. If Tomlin was able to put together a winning season in a year full of uncertainty, quarterback controversy, and an injured TJ Watt, he should be able to exceed .500 with the 2023 roster. Pickett now has a year under his belt and a team with full confidence in him. The "Pickett Fence" has been rebuilt with weapons on the offensive line. Although quarterback and the offensive line were the top two concerns going into 2022, they shouldn't be anymore.
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis.
Schwab continued to elaborate on his confidence in the 2023 Steelers.
"I really do like this Steelers team to go over 8 and 1/2 wins. They just aren't a losing organization. I think they're better this year than they were last year. A lot of talent on there. Mike Tomlin, great coach. Give me the Steelers over 8 and 1/2 wins this season."
It's undeniable that the Steelers will be one of the most interesting NFL teams to monitor this year. With a team that's young and eager to compete, it's hard to see this team going under nine wins. Will it be Tomlin's first losing season? We wouldn't bet on it. What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Schwab's assessment fair? Let us know in the comments below.
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