The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a transitional period into a new era, so there are a lot of unknowns right now. Fans can't really get a good idea of where their team sits in the mix of the NFL without games being played. We can only dissect what's on paper, and what the "on paper" moves hypothetically will do for each team in 2022.
The Steelers are perplexing. They are a rock-solid organization with a fantastic coach and they probably won't be any worse at QB than last season, when they made the playoffs. Yet, there are a lot of reasons to believe a big step back is coming. https://t.co/3KP60ZVsrN
— Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) July 5, 2022
Yahoo! Sports is in the middle of releasing off-season power rankings for the NFL and providing in-depth previews for each NFL franchise heading into the 2022 season. The Steelers came in at #22.
Writer, Frank Schwab started with a summary of the 2021 season:
"[Ben] Roethlisberger was a shell of himself. The offense as a whole wasn't good. The defense, despite having NFL defensive player of the year T.J. Watt, wasn't great either. It was a Steelers team that had a very fortunate record in close games and caught a couple huge breaks in Week 18, which led to a playoff berth at 9-7-1. The Steelers got blasted in the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs, but Mike Tomlin kept his streak of non-losing seasons alive and Roethlisberger ended his career on a semi-high note. All in all, it wasn't that bad."
Schwab went on to call the team "lucky" to make the playoffs last season and stated that they "caught an inordinate amount of key breaks."
He went on to give the Steelers' off-season a grade of a B citing the unprecedented moves via free agency as a key contributor to the grade. The team added guard James Daniels, linebacker Myles Jack, center Mason Cole, quarterback Mitch Trubisky and cornerback Levi Wallace.
"None of those signings are earth-shaking, but they're smart additions and will help across the roster."
Steelers OC Matt Canada Credits Mason Cole, James Daniels As OL Chemistry Grows For 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (left), and guard James Daniels (right), participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
No, the moves might not have been "earth-shattering," but adding two dependable veterans via the offensive line, which was the biggest weakness on the roster a season ago, has to count for something, right?
Schwab on the Steelers' 2022 NFL Draft:
"The draft was solid, with quarterback Kenny Pickett, receiver George Pickens and defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal filling needs."
The top three picks for the black and gold could be staples for the offense and defense for years to come, but only time will tell.
Schwab discussed how the team's stellar off-season was killed off by one move, but stated they did well with countering that move.
"The off-season momentum was set back by the retirement of defensive lineman, Stephon Tuitt, a fantastic part of Pittsburgh's front. Pittsburgh did well to replace him with Larry Ogunjobi on a one-year deal, which was signed in June."
On September 10, 2017, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi played against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Steelers and DT Larry Ogunjobi are a Perfect Fit in 2022, Just ask him, “Steelers fit my skill set really well”
Schwab went on to give his best case scenario for the team in 2022, which is what we're all hoping to see:
"The Steelers are one of the most bankable assets in the NFL for a reason. The last time the Steelers had a new rookie first-round pick at quarterback, they went 13-0 in Ben Roethlisberger's regular season starts and made the AFC championship game. That probably isn't on the table for Kenny Pickett and this year's Steelers, but the defense could be much better, there's a lot of talent at the skill positions on offense and Mike Tomlin has a Hall of Fame resume as a coach. If Pickett takes the job early and looks good, while the Steelers battle to a winning record and another playoff berth, the transition between eras won't seem so bad."
However, Schwab doesn't see that happening in 2022:
"I anticipate this being Mike Tomlin's worst season. Pittsburgh has a tough schedule, a tricky quarterback situation with two potentially bad subpar options and imminent regression."
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin calls a play in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu / USA Today Sports
What do yinz think about Yahoo! Sports saying the upcoming 2022 season will be Mike Tomlin's worst season? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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