Steelers' Extraordinary Streak Of Winning Seasons Will Come To An End In 2023 According To ESPN Analyst, Field Yates

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone .500 or better in every season that Mike Tomlin has been the head coach. While the team has had a lack of playoff success for much of this past decade, there is no denying that Steelers fans are immensely lucky to root for a franchise that has been the model of consistency for Tomlin's tenure in Pittsburgh. In 2022, the streak was in serious jeopardy as the black and gold had to win seven of their final nine games to keep it alive. The Steelers' improved roster in 2023 should help it stay in-tact for Tomlin's 17th season at the helm, but it will be far from easy as the AFC has a plethora of teams who have legitimate chances to vie for a playoff spot. 

On paper, the Steelers figure to be much more competitive in 2023 compared to 2022. Quarterback, Kenny Pickett, is entering his first full season as the starter and will have no shortage of options to throw to in Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, Pat Freiermuth, and perennial breakout star, George Pickens. Furthermore, the team's offensive line has received some serious upgrades during the 2023 offseason with the free agent signing of Isaac Seumalo and drafting of first-round pick, Broderick Jones. 

Combine all this talent on offense with a defense which consists of All Pro-capable players at each level such as Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, and the Steelers seem to have all the necessary pieces to go blow-for-blow with the heavyweights of the AFC. However, there are many who believe the Steelers are a season or two away from competing for a spot in the conference title game. There are even some who believe the team will regress in 2023 and fail to go above .500 for the first team since 2003, this would include ESPN Football Analyst, Field Yates. 

Steelers' Streak Of Winning Seasons May End In 2023 Due To Immensely Talented AFC 

During a recent episode of Barstool Sports' Pardon My Take, Yates not only left off the Steelers on his playoff teams in 2023, but also detailed why he believes the team will lose more games than win this upcoming season. 

"I think the streak comes to an end, which sounds crazy coming off the preseason, scoring five touchdowns in five drives. They're obviously incredibly well coached. They have tons of individual talent, but someone has to come in last in that division." 

Yates would further explain how the Steelers' failure to keep the winning streak alive in 2023 has less to do with the type of team they are, but rather the highly competitive division in which they play in. In his playoff prediction, the ESPN Analyst has the Cincinnati Bengals winning the AFC North and the Baltimore Ravens making the postseason as a Wild Card team. Yates also has the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets getting as the two other Wild Card teams. 

The Steelers were not the only AFC team with high aspirations to be left off Yates' list. The Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots also did not make the cut. An argument could be made for each of these teams to make some serious noise in 2023, which just goes to show that the cracking the postseason will be extremely difficult. While the Steelers may be flying under the radar now, they will have a tremendous opportunity to prove they're a legitimate contender in a Week 1 matchup against a San Francisco 49ers team that played in the NFC Championship Game In 2022. Rejoice, Steeler Nation. The regular season is nearly here. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

What do you make of Yates' prediction that the Steelers will fail to keep the winning streak alive in 2023? Do you think the team can win the AFC North this season? Which seven AFC teams do you have making the playoffs? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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