Jon Gruden Declares Steelers The NFL's Biggest Hidden Gem

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a surprise team for the most part during the 2024 season. Many pundits predicted this would be Mike Tomlin's first losing season as Pittsburgh was handed a brutal schedule. Now, the Steelers sit at 10-3, and Tomlin is a serious candidate for Coach of the Year. Critics have been backtracking, issuing apology tours, and starting to voice their belief in the Steelers making some noise as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

One pundit with extensive NFL knowledge, Jon Gruden, has also weighed in on Pittsburgh's success. Recently joining the Barstool Sports media team, Gruden has quickly become known for his bold and passionate takes. When asked about the Steelers, he couldn’t help but praise the team, highlighting his growing faith in their current roster and long-term potential. Gruden’s enthusiasm only added to the national buzz surrounding Pittsburgh's rise.

Gruden pointed to Tomlin's leadership and the Steelers' ability to develop talent as key reasons for their turnaround. He emphasized the team's ability to stay competitive despite a challenging schedule and praised their young stars for stepping up in big moments. With the playoffs in sight, Gruden believes the Steelers aren't just a feel-good story—they're a legitimate threat to take home the Lombardi Trophy.

"I am with you," Gruden said. "Hey, I think the Steelers are one of the best kept secrets in the league right now. That young offensive line can continue to get better. Remember they got a rookie at center, a second year guy at right tackle. They are playing a lot young guys at guard. If they can continue to get better, their defense can propel them to some playoff victories."

Gruden didn’t hold back in his praise for the Steelers. He expressed admiration for their young offensive line, highlighting its potential to be a cornerstone of the team’s future success. While the Steelers’ impressive 10-3 record has removed them from the "best-kept secret" conversation this season, Gruden believes they still aren’t receiving enough credit for the strong foundation they’re building for years to come.

He went on to emphasize why he considers the Steelers one of the best teams in the NFL. From their coaching leadership under Tomlin to their ability to develop young talent, Gruden sees Pittsburgh as a franchise that’s not just thriving now but is set up for sustained success.

"I like the Steelers. I love Russell Wilson in big games," Gruden said. "When Pickens comes back with Mike Williams, [Pat] Freiermuth at tight end."

There was plenty of speculation about what Russell Wilson had left in the tank at this stage of his career. However, Wilson has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the Steel City, once again looking like a legitimate star quarterback in the league. 

Meanwhile, George Pickens has solidified himself as one of the NFL's premier talents, and the addition of Mike Williams has only added to the excitement surrounding this offense—something Gruden couldn’t help but highlight.

Steelers Seem Poised To Make A Big Run At The Super Bowl

While the Steelers' offense is still a work in progress, their 10-3 record and ability to put up points have turned heads across the league. The tides are shifting for Pittsburgh, and their balanced attack on both sides of the ball has made them a team to fear. With momentum building, the Steelers seem poised to make a serious run at their seventh Super Bowl trophy.

Steeler Nation is beginning to believe this 2024 season is destined to be something special. The team’s resilience, star power, and emerging offensive firepower have fans dreaming of another Lombardi Trophy in Pittsburgh’s storied history.

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