Steelers Offense Is Expected to Get Creative In Order To Win The AFC This Season

Based on their outstanding performance during the 2023 preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are already looking like a different team compared to 2022. Expectations for the Steelers are high, mainly because they have one of the toughest defenses in the NFL and a youthful offense. Having second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett as their leader, they should be considerably better than last year. After two seasons with nine wins, Mike Tomlin's team is expected to improve and make an appearance in the AFC playoffs.

In addition to Pickett, second-string quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky is still under contract with the Steelers through the 2025 campaign. Trubisky is a skilled backup who, despite losing his starting position, helped the Steelers win some games in 2022. Trubisky showed particular improvement in their final two preseason game, completing 17 of 22 passes for 132 yards and no interceptions while also gaining 37 yards rushing on three tries. 

Given that Mason Rudolph wasn't nearly as effective in the 2023 preseason finale, Trubisky open the regular season as the Steelers' backup quarterback. In 2022, Pittsburgh was effective in the AFC North, as each team finished with a 3-3 divisional record. The Steelers organization has placed significant importance on enhancing the offensive line, and it is sure to pay off. 

George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are exciting targets for Pickett, as well as Calvin Austin III and Allen Robinson II. Moreover, the duo of talented running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will undoubtedly be advantageous for the team's success. 

The Steelers finally discovered their offensive identity late in 2022, and the 2023 offseason has seen them spending time strengthening it. Additionally, Pickett has been tasked with executing more creative players and making safer, high-percentage passes. Due in part to how long he played in college, Pickett was regarded as the draft candidate who was best prepared for the professional game in 2022.. He has also been given opportunities to demonstrate his skills in throwing deep passes whenever the situation calls for it.

NFL Analyst Believes Steelers And Duo Of Pickett And Pickens Can Lead To Triumph

When considering their playoff chances, it is irrefutable that competing against other teams in the AFC North will definitely propose a challenge. In a recent video, Damien Woody, a former offensive guard who most recently played for the New York Jets and now-media personality, expressed his strong belief in the group and his opinion on their chances of making the playoffs.

“AFC North might be the toughest division in football, you know, with Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and company…Kenny Pickett and George Pickens… if those guys take a leap, then I absolutely feel like the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the playoffs.”

One of the game's up-and-coming connections between Pickett and Pickens. In their third preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh faced a 3rd-and-8 at the 33-yard line. When Pickens took an inside-breaking route through the heart of the defense, Pickett dove into the pocket and connected with him. In order to score the catch-and-run touchdown, the receiver then took control by weaving through the defense and avoiding the tackle.

In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, are determined to advance further than ever before since Jackson's arrival. On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals are eager to make a triumphant return to the Super Bowl after a one-year absence. Additionally, Deshaun Watson is starting his second season with the Cleveland Browns, and the team has high hopes for him to guide them into the postseason. With all these factors in play, it becomes crucial for the sophomore pair of Pickett and Pickens to establish a strong rapport in order for the Pittsburgh to remain competitive in the highly dynamic AFC North this year.

The Steelers will have a chance to contend for the AFC North Title if they can consistently witness a reprise of the Pickett-Pickens connection in 2023. In contrast to their performance in 2022, one can anticipate the Steelers emerging victorious on a more frequent basis in the regular season. This can be attributed to the presence of a more skillful quarterback in Pickett, an extensively enhanced offensive line and a bolstered defense.

How do you think the Steelers will make an impact in 2023? Where will they be ranked in the AFC North? Let us know your thought in the comments!

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