2022 training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers will officially kick-off in less than a week at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on July 28th. There has been a lot of change in the organization over the last seven months. Future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger and long time general manager, Kevin Colbert stepped away from the team, and Mike Tomlin has his work cut out for him if he wants to avoid his first ever losing season as a head coach.
The easy parts of the job that anyone could decide on is that T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson will all be in the lineup and guys that the team will rely on. Newcomer, Myles Jack can also be thrown into that conversation.
With that said, there are a ton of questions marks surrounding this year's team and the coaching staff will have a lot of evaluating to do throughout the preseason, especially on offense. It all starts at the quarterback position.
1.) The Steelers Quarterback Battle
Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and even Mason Rudolph are in conversation to be the team's starting quarterback. While Trubisky has the edge due to his experience and talent level, it is no sure thing just yet.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks participate in Organized Team Activities (OTA's) Thursday May 26, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Everything revolves around this position in the NFL today and without a dynamic signal-caller, teams tend to be ineffective offensively and have trouble scoring. The key here for Tomlin will be to not give up on Trubisky early. He was dealt a rough hand in Chicago and had the opportunity to sit behind Buffalo Bills' standout quarterback, Josh Allen for a year last season. Trubisky was signed to be the guy in Pittsburgh, but everyone loves a little competition.
2.) Steelers Revamped Offensive Line
We know that Dan Moore Jr., Chukwuma Okorafor, James Daniels and Mason Cole will be four of the five big men up front. That doesn't mean this isn't a cause for concern. The offensive line was horrible last season, especially in the rushing attack which is what the team needs if it wants to be better on offense.
First year offensive line coach, Pat Meyer has his work cut out for him. The biggest question here is who will be at left guard? One would expect it to be Kevin Dotson, but the Steelers aren't ready to give up on second-year lineman, Kendrick Green just yet. I wouldn't be surprised if this was a battle we see play out until Week 1.
3.) Steelers Offensive Approach
Matt Canada has one more chance this year to prove to Steeler Nation that he is the right guy for the job. He has no excuses in 2022. His quarterback will have a fresh arm and legs and the playbook should open up considerably. The potential star power that the Steelers have on offense could lead to the group being more dynamic this year and even surprising many throughout the season.
Canada needs to lead an offense that has more big play ability and utilizes the play-action much more. The mobility of the quarterbacks will allow for more snaps under center rather than the shotgun. This is an identity he has a month to figure out before the regular season begins.
While these are the three main questions on offense, the production and growth of Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III is another talking point. These three young wide receivers will need to step up, even the two in their rookie seasons. This offense is going to need everyone to contribute and the success of the unit will depend on all involved, including Canada.
What do you think are the biggest questions for the Steelers on offense heading into training camp? Let us know in the comments below!
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