The Steelers did not make the playoffs in 2022 after going 9-8, but that doesn’t mean that people around the NFL do not think they can bounce back. In fact, one former NFL coach sees that Pittsburgh could be the team that bounces back and makes the push towards the playoff in 2023.
Appearing on NFL on ESPN, former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards believes that if there is a team that is a surprise entry to the field in 2023, it will be the Steelers. It all returns to the fact that they had plenty of momentum at the end of the season and looked to make significant upgrades in the offseason across their roster.
“I go off the momentum that they gained last year when you think about their quarterback Kenny Pickett,” Edwards said. “He threw a bunch of interceptions early in the season but in the last 8 games he only threw one. He gained a bunch of confidence and they have a Hall of Fame coach in Mike Tomlin. He has the pulse of this football team and they play hard for him, he’s a great motivator, and there’s a lot of talent on defense, too. I think this team is primed. We talk about Cincinnati, the Ravens all the time, don’t forget about the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
That sets up Pittsburgh to be a team to watch over the entire season. However, most of it will simply come down to how the offense plays. That group will need to round into form and continue the momentum that they built at the end of last year. If Pickett can take the leap and the team can run the ball off the backs of an improved offensive line, look out for this team to win some games throughout the year and contend for a spot in the playoffs.