Final Word: Pumping Brakes on Steelers Hype Train

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a well-regarded offseason, leading many in Steelers country to feel good about the team heading into training camp later this month at St. Vincent College.

Omar Khan’s plans for free agency and the draft have been lauded by most, with the increased emphasis on offensive line play likely resulting in better outcomes for Najee Harris. Second-year jumps from George Pickens and Kenny Pickett could lift the offense even higher, while the defense is expecting to get T.J. Watt back.

That’s the reason Steelers fans have been flooding the sportsbooks with bets on the team’s win total over — currently at 8.5. Recently, over 80% of the money at one book had the Steelers exceeding that total.

But Vegas wasn’t built on losers. Yes, the Steelers’ plans look solid, but they also rely on things that are not sure things.

Alan Saunders of Steelers Now used his final word on WPXI Final Word on Sunday night to slowly pump the brakes on the Pittsburgh hype train and remind everyone that success is earned in the fall, not the summer.

The panel, including former Steelers Now producer and current 93.7 The Fan host Cale Berger and The Athletic columnist Rob Rossi, also discussed the Pittsburgh Pirates selection of Paul Skenes in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins future offseason plans and more.

Click for more of Alan Saunders and Dan Kingerski from Sports Now Group Pittsburgh on The Final Word on WPXI-TV Channel 11.