The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a season where Ben Roethlisberger is not the starting QB for the first time since the 2003 season. This means that there are plenty of fans that are worried for what could possibly happen this upcoming season. At the same time, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for the upcoming season. Here are five of those reasons!
1) The Steelers Young QB’s
As training camp is getting underway, the QB's are Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph. Trubisky is the early favorite for the starting role, as he signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this off-season. Many fans believe that Pickett will get a chance some time this season as the starter. The first-round pick is coming off of a season in college where he threw 4,319 yards and 42 TD's. With that type of production, fans should be THRILLED.
We all know what Rudolph can bring to the table for the Steelers. If the first two options do not impress, then Rudolph will get another chance as the QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) throws a pass at training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
2) Star Running Back
Steelers RB, Najee Harris is destined for another great season in Pittsburgh. Last season as a rookie, Harris ran for 1,200 yards and had seven rushing TD's. With the O-Line only being able to be better from a terrible season last year, expect Harris to be much more efficient this upcoming season. We have heard Harris say how he will have less touches this season, this will be for the better of the offense. This means more types of schemes and other passing plays will be on the table for 2022 season. If this ends up being true, it will also help Harris’s body from getting injured.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22) looks on at training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
3) Steelers WR Depth
The Steelers will have many options for the young QB's to throw the ball to this season. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III are all going to be very much included in this season’s offense.
Johnson is coming off a career season with 1,161 yards and eight TD's. Claypool will be looked at as a veteran now while he is heading into his third season with the Steelers. Pickens is entering his first season in the NFL as he was the Steelers second round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Fans should not sleep on Austin III as he has starting training camp with a bang.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Diontae Johnson (#18) sprints up field during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
4) Top Defense in the NFL
The Steelers defense will have many returning pieces and also some new faces on it. Minkah Fitzpatrick will be one of those returning players, as he signed a brand new four-year deal with Pittsburgh that could be up to $73.6 million. The best pass rusher in the league, T.J. Watt will of course be back as he stacked up 22.5 sacks last season. One new face that could be an x-factor for the defense is Myles Jack. Jack was an early second round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Coming from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jack is now on a loaded defense and some pressure will be taken off of him which could help free him up.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
5) Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL without a question. He has been the coach for the Steelers for 15 seasons and has never had a losing season. With the talent on this year’s roster, Steeler fans should not expect a losing season this year either. With Tomlin’s love for the game, he will make sure that the team gets where it needs to in order to have a successful season.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin looks on during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in July 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
What are yinz most excited to see in the 2022 season? Click to comment below!
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