Steelers Now Have Great Expectations From Former NFL GM: "They're Over The Hump"

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the most consistent teams in the NFL for a long stretch behind Head Coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Now, Tomlin remains, but the franchise has been trying to put the pieces together after Roethlisberger's retirement following the 2021 season at quarterback. This is one of the more challenging situations for team's in the NFL, when a long time franchise QB moves on and the organization doesn't have a backup plan in place.

Pittsburgh has stayed consistent in the post-Roethlisberger era, as Tomlin's streak of non-losing seasons has pushed on. However, the organization still hasn't won a playoff game in seven seasons, and fans are itching to advance in the postseason. Former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum appeared on ESPN's First Take on Friday morning, and he was asked if 2024 will be the year Tomlin's streak comes to an end.

"If you guys asked me this question a year ago, I would've bet the house - that there's no way they're gonna make the playoffs, and now, I think they're over the hump. I think either quarterback this year in Justin Fields or Russell Wilson is discernibly better than Mason Rudolph or Kenny Pickett from an ability standpoint."

The offense from Pittsburgh was stagnant in 2023. Quarterback play was inconsistent, and at times just horrible. Matt Canada was fired in the middle of the season because the offense was performing so poorly. Amidst a late-season three-game losing streak, it seemed as though Tomlin's streak was in danger, and the Steelers had no chance to make the postseason. 

In true Tomlin fashion, he found a way to turn his team around and finished the regular season on a three-game winning streak. Pittsburgh finished the year 10-7, and clinched a spot in the postseason. They failed to advance past the Wild Card round, but the fact they were there in the first place was almost a miracle. Tannenbaum continued to speak on Tomlin's coaching success, and the improvements on offense for 2024.

"So the fact that they made it last year to me is more Herculean or speaks to Coach Tomlin's coaching ability. So I think as the record goes, and where they're positioned, I think this offense is gonna be much, much better than a year ago."

According to Tannenbaum, Pittsburgh is in a much better position to succeed in 2024. The improvements on offense don't go unnoticed, with a new play-caller in Arthur Smith and a revamped quarterback room that includes both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson is the presumed starter, but no matter who plays the majority of the snaps, it should be an upgrade from the quarterback situation in 2023. Smith will also undoubtedly be operating a better offense than the team had in 2023 under Canada.

Steelers Will Have To Fight Through A Buzzsaw To Keep Tomlin's Streak Alive

The Steelers will be going through one of the harder schedules in the NFL during the 2024 season. A lot of that has to do with playing six games against the AFC North, but they will also be taking on the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. That's nine games against very strong teams that are expected to be competing for a playoff spot. Not to mention, all six of Pittsburgh's divisional matchups come in Week 11 and on, along with the two games against Philadelphia and Kansas City. 

There are no cupcakes on the back half of the Steelers schedule, which makes starting the season strong extremely important. The Steelers want the opportunity to end their seven year draught of playoff wins, but it will be a fight just to land a spot in the postseason.

What do you think of Tannenbaum's comments? Are the Steelers over the hump? Let us know in the comments below!

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