When Pittsburgh Steelers fans, among others find a loyalty for their local team, in any sport, in any city around the globe, winning is everything. When your team wins, you feel better. Sleep well. Perform at work. It goes without saying that you can't spell fanatic without 'fan' right?
So as the back half of the 2022 season starts to find its end, fans of the men of steel find themselves in a weird spot. Do they root that the team can win out, finish 10-7 and shock the world with a rookie QB? Or do they secretly rejoice with a 2-4 or 1-5 finish and reposition the club's 2023 draft order to stock a team desperate for help in a variety of positions on both sides of the football.
Careful what you wish for.
Steelers Defense On Deck To Help Stacking Wins
James Pierre (#42) and the Steelers' defense celebrate an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Of course the selfishness in virtually all Steelers fans, and rightfully so, is that your team's appearance in the NFL post-season 'Tournament' and chase that elusive 7th Lombardi.
The only path to a postseason bid this year is via a 6-0 run to finish the year. 7 when you add the win over the Colts on Monday. When choosing what side (Steelers O or Steelers D), I say if the 9 figure D can't figure out how to stop teams, a string of wins can't be. You have to hold scoring down to win and great defenses do that. Case in point the Los Angeles Rams last year.
We will address the Steelers offense shortly, but for now, the Steelers defense must find a wall to build when they face the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at Mercedes Benz Stadium. It's great that TJ Watt is back and helping, but the rest of this D making BAGS better figure it out when it comes to defending the pass.
Over the last two decades, this area sinks hopes of any Super Bowl win. They simply can't stop passing games. Tom Brady did it how many times? Pick any number of seasons where this defense was very dominant, yet when it came right down to it, the Steelers secondary just didn't have it in them that day against whatever QB it was.
This year, the Steelers run D is currently 6th in the league. Not bad for a 4-7 club. This team is 28th in yards per pass given up. That's trash. Even the special teams needs improvement.
If you can stop passing teams down the final six weeks however, maybe, MAYBE this team can finish 5-1, but I don't know if 9-8 gets them into the playoffs. I do know this team would probably finish in the 18-23 range when it comes to next year's NFL Draft. That's a high price to pay for not being able to play football in January.
Steelers Season And Future Tied To Improving Play Of Pickett
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Let me state the obvious. Kenny Pickett must continue to play like he has since the bye week to give the Steelers offense a much needed leader at football's most important position.
This is a guy who when first drafted, the pick was celebrated, partly in shock that he was even available. We then fast forward to early October and his era beings. But 4-5 starts into his career, if you can even believe such talk even surfaced, Pickett faced some fans and media wretches saying...'draft a QB R1 next year, Pickett is a bust.'
No chance. Not a handful of games into his career. Even other teams see what Pickett can do.
By no means do I feel Kenny Pickett is a destined Hall of Fame quarterback in the making. He's not Johnny Unitas to begin his career for sure, but Kenny Pickett is the future of this team. His ability to generate leadership at his position through solid production of running the offense. Play hard. Play smart. If he can build trust with his wide receivers and help support the running game, he has a real shot over the next four years to build a solid foundation for another decade of it.
He's doing that with his head coach.
For now, it's running back by committee. Again, I am in the camp of Najee Harris still being the number one back, but let's be certain on Sunday not to aggravate an old injury. Jaylen Warren and Benny Snell have things to offer that may give Harris some additional time off, just in case.
Where Steelers Finish A Question For Rest Of The Year
YourErie.com
1-5 vs. a run to the playoffs. Choose wisely Steelers fans. I say they end 3-3 that puts them at 7-10 and a R1 pick around 15-17 maybe. I'd take it given the pick they got from the Chicago Bears in R2 should land us the 33rd pick overall. So again, where this team ends is where the next phase in this rebuild begins. Where is it best for the Steelers to end up?
Which way, Steelers fans? Which way do you want to see your team heading towards? You can sound off below!
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