Training camp is in full swing and fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are lined up and packed in tight at Latrobe watching their favorite players take the field for the first workouts of the season. The team for 2022 will be quite a bit different than what we saw just a year ago.
For the first time in almost two decades, the Steelers will not have former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leading the offense. Along with Roethlisberger not being the starter, the Steelers have three possible quarterbacks that could be the Week 1 starter in Cincinnati. With so much change this off-season, some Steeler fans are believing this will be a long season and the start of a multi-year rebuild. But I believe there is many reasons for fans to be optimistic about the 2022 team and to believe the Steelers could be yet again playing playoff football in January.
1) The Steelers Roster Will Be Full Of Young Talent
Roethlisberger, for many seasons, was the face of the franchise and led the Steelers to many wins in both the regular season and playoffs. But last season, we saw his lack of mobility and athleticism on full display. Roethlisberger struggled to move in the pocket, and the offensive line failed to give him the protection he needed, which ended up being a recipe for disaster.
This off-season, after Roethlisberger announced his retirement, the Steelers went all-in at finding their new franchise quarterback. Mitch Trubisky was signed early in the free agency period. The former Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears, is looking for a second chance at being a starter in the NFL, after sitting behind Josh Allen for one season with the Buffalo Bills in 2021. Trubisky, although doesn't have the strongest arm, he does however have tremendous ability to extend plays and use his legs to escape the pocket and run.
The Steelers first-round draft pick, Kenny Pickett has a similar skill set as well. Pickett, is more of a pocket passer which exceptional mobility. Fans heard many times in 2021, that offensive coordinator Matt Canada needed a mobile quarterback to properly run his offense, and so now with both Trubisky and Pickett, we can truly see what Canada's offense has to offer.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
The quarterback position is not the only spot on the roster full of young talent. I believe the Steelers receiving core is being overlooked by most of the national media. It seems as if the Steelers have the secret formula when it comes to drafting receivers in recent years.
Diontae Johnson will most likely be the team's number one receiver to start the season. This comes after recording over 1,100 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns in 2021. Chase Claypool will be looking to bounce back in 2022 after a disappointing season in 2021 where he only had 860 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. I am expecting both Johnson and Claypool to have solid seasons, but the newest members of the receiving core might be just what sets the Steelers apart from other teams.
George Pickens was the Steelers second round pick in 2022. Pickens was considered a steal in the draft at pick 52. His 6'3", 200lb stature and play-making ability is similar to current Arizona Cardinals receiver, A.J. Green. Pickens has given some teams a cause for concern when it comes to his character, but the Steelers are certain they will not have any off the field issues with Pickens in the future. Another new face that could have an impact in 2022 is Calvin Austin III. The speedy receiver out of Memphis recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in his last two seasons in college. Austin also ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The Steelers have struggled to find a true speedster that can offer as a deep ball threat in many seasons, so I would expect Austin to fill that gap in 2022.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2022 minicamp on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. (Abigail Dean/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
2) Devin Bush Has Everything He Needs To Get Back To His Rookie Season Ways
It has been no secret that Devin Bush has not lived up to expectations. After a stellar rookie season where he was in the running for the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Bush has struggled since suffering an ACL tear in 2020 against the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers have brought in Myles Jack, formerly with the Jacksonville Jaguars, to play next to Bush in 2022. Not only did the Steelers get Bush help on the field, they also brought in former Miami Dolphins head coach, Brian Flores to be the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. Flores has a terrific track record when it comes to defense and might just be the guy who can save Bush and have him return to the player he was during his rookie season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers coach Brian Flores participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTA's), Tuesday May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
3) The Revamped Offensive Line
One of the biggest black eyes on the Steelers in 2021 was the offensive line. Roethlisberger struggled to get much protection and rookie running back Najee Harris struggled to find any room to run at times. The front office took this hole on the offense and made it a priority to fix this off-season. James Daniels was the biggest splash on the offensive line during free agency. The Steelers signed Daniels to a three-year $26.5 million deal.
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
Daniels was the Bears second-round pick in 2018 and started 48 of 54 games. He has experience guard and center in the NFL and will play a big roll on the line. Another player the Steelers acquired was former Minnesota Vikings center, Mason Cole. Cole, like Daniels, has experience at center so the versatility of this year's line will be something to look forward to. The Steelers didn't make any huge acquisitions this off-season on the line, but they did a great job at filling each spot with solid NFL starter talent. I believe Steeler fans will see a tremendous improvement in the running game in 2022.
What are you looking forward to this season? Do you think the 2022 Steelers can surprise others around the league? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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