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Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Free Agent Tracker

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Free Agency started on Monday March 10th at noon.

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered free agency with as much as much to lose as they do have to gain.

The Steelers have 17 players set to become free agents. Omar Khan has over 60 million dollars in salary cap money to spend, with the ability to increase that quickly and easily with restructures and extensions. Yet, the team has been cautious.

  • If anyone is panicking over the Steelers lack of a quarterback, they’re not on the South Side.

Beyond that, the Steelers have seen far more free agents depart for greener patures than they have extended the welcome mat to.

steelers press conference,

Is Omar Khan stockpiling compensatory picks? That may not be his intent, but thus far that’s the end-product of his approach to free agency as the legal tampering period comes to an end.

Steelers 2024 Pickups During Free Agency

Jaylen Warren, Running Back
Extended 2nd round Restricted Free Agent Tender
Ryan McCollum, Center
Extended an Exclusive Rights Free Agent tender
D.K. Metcalf
Traded their 2nd round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft for D.K. Metcalf who signed a 4 year extension
Kenneth Gainwell, running back
Signed the former Philadelphia Eagles running back to a 1 year deal.
Malik Harrison, Inside Linebacker
Signs a 2-year, 10 million dollar contract to leave the Baltimore Ravens.
Brandin Echols, Cornerback
Signs with Steelers from the New York Jets, terms undisclosed.
Darius Slay, Cornerback
Signs 1-year, 10 million dollar contract after getting cut from Philadelphia Eagles.
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback
Signs 2-year, 8 million dollar contract.
Scotty Miller, Wide Receiver
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Ben Skowronek, Wide Receiver
Signs 2-year deal, 4.5 million dollar contract.
Daniel Ekuale, Defensive End
Signs with Steelers from the New England Patriots
Juan Thornhill, Safety
Signs 1-year deal from the Cleveland Browns
Isaiahh Loudermilk, Defensive line
Signs 1-year deal, presumptively at the veteran minimum.
Esezi Otomewo, defensive lineman
Signs 1-year contract, presumptively at the veteran minimum, from the Jacksonville Jaguars

Steelers 2024 Free Agent Losses


Justin Fields, Quarterback
Signed 2 year, 40 million dollar deal with the New York Jets
Donte Jackson, Cornerback
Signed 2 year, 13 million dollar contract with San Die er um Los Angeles Chargers
Dan Moore, Offensive Tackle
Signed 4 year, 82 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Najee Harris, Running Back
Signs 1 year, 9.25 million dollar contract with Los Angeles Chargers
Elandon Roberts, Inside Linebacker
Signs 1 year, 3 million dollar contract with Las Vegas Raiders
James Daniels, Guard
Signs 3 year 24 million dollar contract with Miami Dolphins
Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 2.5 million dollar contract with Tennessee Titans
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
Signs 1 year, 7 million dollar contract to return to the Los Angeles Chargers
Nate Herbig, Guard/Center
Signs 1 year deal with Washington Commanders

Steelers 2024 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents

Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Cam Sutton, Cornerback
MyCole Pruitt, Tight End
Kyle Allen, Quarterback
Tyler Matakevich, Inside Linebacker/Special Teams
Damontae Kazee, Safety

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

Jeremiah Moon, Outside Linebacker

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Steelers Report Card for Loss to Ravens: NO More Health Room Passes Edition

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Taken from the desk of a teacher who is tired of writing passes to the health room, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the 2024 loss to the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derrick Henry, Steelers vs Ravens

Minkah Fitzpatrick slows down Derrick Henry. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Quarterback
Russell Wilson went 22 of 33 for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns. In many ways, he is the reason the Steelers were in this game for 3 quarters. But his fumble took at least 3 points off of the board. And his pick-six effectively ended the game. Grade: DSteelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Collectively the Steelers running backs only totaled 90 yards rushing, which on the surface appears anemic. However, Najee Harris had his best night in several weeks. He hit holes with authority and made piles fall forward. Cordarrelle Patterson caught his only pass – after bobbling it. Connor Heyward worked effectively as a blocker and caught one pass. The Steelers lost to the Ravens for many reasons. The running backs weren’t one of them. Grade: C+

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth caught 3 passes for 16 yards. MyCole Pruitt caught 1 pass for one yard and a touchdown, although he was the target on the pick six. Grade: C

Wide Receivers
With each passing game, Calvin Austin seems to do a little more to step up. On his sideline catch he showed incredible concentration and ball skills to bring in a very low percentage pass. Still, there was a breakdown on the 4th down conversion attempt and that could have been a game-changer. Van Jefferson caught 2 passes for 27 yards and Mike Williams caught 3 for 24. Both men look like they could be effective number 3 or 4 wide outs — this team needs a number 1. Flying under the radar is Ben Skowronek who had 2 catches for 25. Grade: D+

Offensive Line
Russell Wilson was sacked 3 times, hit a total of 6 times and had to take off and run 3 more times. Run blocking was a little better, but overall the Steelers needed the line to dominate up front. It did not. Grade: D

Defensive Line
Cam Heyward led the unit in tackles and had one for a loss. But it was a bad night for the defensive line as it neither mounted pass pressure nor stopped the run. Grade: F

Linebackers
Alex Highsmith had a strip sack and Elandon Roberts had a nice tackle behind the line of scrimmage. And Patrick Queen was the team’s leading tackler. But Derrick Henry ran where he wanted, when he wanted, and Lamar Jackson litterally was untouched beyond the sack (per ESPN’s stats.) Grade: F

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers vs Ravens, Minka Fitzpatrick interception Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry

Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepts Lamar Jackson. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Secondary
Minkah Fitzpatrick had what should have been a game-changing interception and he was also stoudt against the run. Damontae Kazee led the team in tackles, but along with James Pierre and Cory Trice, this look like a secondary missing 3 out of 4 starters. Grade: D

Special Teams
James Pierre forced a fumble but the Steelers were unable to recover. Chris Boswell made all of his kicks, but he shanked a kickoff which gave Baltimore 10 more yards on a drive a touchdown drive. In a game like this, the last thing you can do is give Baltimore extra yards. Grade: D

Coaching
Arthur Smith does not have a lot to work with at this point. He’s got a young line with 2 rookies. He’s missing he’s got an offense that’s missing its WR number 1 and really doesn’t have a WR number 2. Yet he found ways to use players at the bottom of his depth chat and make just enough plays that, had it not been for two turnovers, would have been competitive.

  • Teryl Austin had a bad night.

Derrick Henry dominated at a level that the Steelers strived, but failed to attain during Jerome Bettis‘ tenure. Lamar Jackson likewise had a very good night, picking apart the Steelers pass coverage with relative ease.

The Steelers entered this game with fire and fight after a tough loss to the Eagles, and that’s to Mike Tomlin’s credit. Further to Tomlin’s credit, he refused to use the fact that his defense is missing 4 starters as an excuse.

Jaylen Warren, Marion Humphrey, Steelers vs Ravens

Jaylen Warren drags Marion Humphrey. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

If the Steelers are to have any chance against Kansas City, Tomlin must either find a heal his players Mr. Miyagi style or mind-meld Mr. Spock style with his backup secondary get them to fully but into the “Standard is the Standard.” Grade: C

Unsung Hero Award
Nights like this require players to dig deep. They must bring a little something extra to the field. One player who ran decisively, fought for every extra yard and even made a minor splash as a kick returner was Jaylen Warren, who wins the Unsung Hero Award for the 2024 loss to the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.

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Pittsburgh Stands Poised as Steelers Defeat Commanders 28-27

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traveled to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland and defeated the Washington Commanders 28-27 and improved their record to 7-2 and maintained their lead on the AFC North. As the score suggests, this one was not for the faint of heart:

  • The lead changed hands 5 times
  • The Steelers were -1 in turnovers, and only completed 50% of their passes
  • T.J. Watt didn’t have a tackle, let alone a sack
  • The men in Black and Gold played from behind for all but 2:22 of the final 30 minutes

Yet Pittsburgh prevailed for a simple reason: When the going got tough, the Steelers played with poise while Washington couldn’t keep command of their emotions.

Russell Wilson, Steelers vs Commanders.

Russell Wilson launches a pass in the 4th quarter. Photo Credit: AP, Chaz Palla, via Tribune-Review

Shooting and Missing

The Washington Commanders have been the NFL’s surprise team this season. When the schedule came out, most Steelers fans probably looked at it and silently marked it as a “W.” But the Commanders brought a 7-2 record and were defending their own division lead with a hot rookie quarterback in Landover this Sunday.

  • Mike Tomlin and his team did not expect this to be easy.
  • And he called his plays accordingly.

With the Steelers holding a 7-0 lead, but facing a 4th and 13 a their own 16 yard line, Mike Tomlin called one of the most unconventional plays of his tenure – a fake punt.

Miles Killebrew took the short snap and hit gunner James Pierre perfectly who was side open well beyond the first down marker. But Pierre dropped it.

Washington pounced, and three plays later they were trying the game on a Austin Ekeler touchdown. Shooting and missing is costly in pro football, but they key is maintain focus so that you don’t miss your next shot.

Three series later when the Steelers were forced to punt, Olamide Zaccheaus called fair catch then proceed to muff it, and James Pierre and Ben Skowronek were there, with Skowronek.

Five plays later Russell Wilson was finding Pat Freiermuth to retake the lead. More importantly, this wasn’t the last time that we’d hear from James Pierre, nor was his example lost on anyone on the Steelers sidelines.

Pittsburgh Goes Down But Never Out for 2 Quarters

The Washington Commanders are a good football team. Dan Quinn is in the process of revitalizing a once-proud franchise and he’s doing it largely on the arm of his rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders answered the Steelers touchdown with a field goal. Then, after James Pierre downed a punt at their own six, Jayden Daniels led his team on a masterful 15-play 94 yard drive that saw Washington take the lead with Austin Ekeler touchdown.

That gave them a 17 to 14 advantage going into the half – they quickly added to in the 2nd half after Terry McLaurin torched Joey Porter Jr. for a 54 yard gain to set up Jeremy McNichols one yard touchdown run.

  • Suddenly, the Steelers were down by 10 after controlling most of the first half.
Jaylen Warren, Steelers vs Commanders

Jaylen Warren runs. Photo Credit: AP, Chaz Palla, via Tribune-Review

But Pittsburgh did anything but panic. Najee Harris opened the next drive with an 11 yard run. On 3rd and 8, Russell Wilson evaded pressure and hit Jaylen Warren, who turned a check down pass into a 26 yard gain. Washington responded by sacking Wilson for a 10 yard loss on the very next play. Wilson shook it off by immediately hitting George Pickens for a 34 yard gain.

Four plays latter Najee Harris fought his way into the end zone to cut the lead to 3.

After exchanging punts, Washington lengthen their lead to 6. On the next series Najee Harris gained a yard, Russell Wilson lost 5 before throwing an interception to close the Steelers offensive action for the third quarter.

On the Ropes

Jayden Daniels answered Russell Wilson’s interception with a 26 yard strike to Terry McLaurin. Jeremy McNichols turned the scews a little tighter, following with a six-yard run.

Then Cam Heyward sacked Daniels for an 11 yard loss. Washington got cute, trying set up a trick play with a lateral/bubble screen to Noah Brown – new comer Preston Smith sniffed it out – dropping Smith for an 11-yard loss. Washington punted.

The Steelers took over at their 13 yard line with just after 14 minutes left. With the confidence of a “been there done that unit,” the offense proceeded to move down the field, on the legs of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren with a sprinkling of long passes to George Pickens.

The Steelers ran with determination, so much determination that they converted a 4th and 1 at their own 43. So much determination that after going 7 yards on 2nd and 7 Warren’s legs kept churning long enough for one of a about 8 Commanders gang tackling him forced the ball lose at the one, with Washington recovering.

The Steelers had closed the 3rd quarter with an interception, opened the 4th by forcing a punt, and spent the next 7 minutes driving down the field only to lose the ball at the one.

In football terms, they were on the ropes.

Which Team Can Keep Their Cool?

The Commanders have a hot offense, but no one likes being backed up at their own 1. The Commanders started with 4 yards, up the middle, they followed with another 6, but… a holding call pushed it back. A deep strike failed.

Then on third down, Alex Highsmith flushed Daniels and towards T.J. Watt who’d been quiet all day hurrying his throw, which fell incomplete. Washington punted.

Tress Way boomed it for 17 yards, but Calvin Austin answered with a 17 yards return.

Austin’s number would get called again, as Russell Wilson hit him for a tough, 13 yard catch on second down. The Steelers converted that next third down, but two plays later they were facing a 3rd an 9 at Washington’s 32.

Arthur Smith went for all the marbles, as Wilson targeted new arrival Mike Williams for a 32-yard moon ball down the weak of the end zone that put the Steelers up 28-27 with 2:22 remaining.

James Pierre, Noah Brown, Steelers vs Commanders

James Pierre deflects a 3rd down pass. Photo Credit: AP, Chaz Palla, Steelers vs Commanders

2:22 is a long time to give Jayden Daniels, especially when he has three time outs. Alex Highsmith pressured him on his first pass, but got injured on the play. James Pierre gave up a 14 yard catch, setting Washington up at their own 49 going into the 2 minute warning.

  • Daniels tried to sneak a draw on first down but Keeanu Benton stopped him at one yard
  • T.J. Watt deflected Daniels’ next pass
  • Daniels targeted Noah Brown next, but James Pierre knocked it away
  • On 4th and 9 he hit Zach Ertz, but Damontae Kazee and Minkah Fitzpatrick stopped him a yard short.

But more football, and a little chess, remained to be played. Washington had all of its time outs, so the Steelers would need a first down to kill the clock.

Two carries to Najee Harris brought up 3rd and 8. Cordarrelle Patterson got the call next and made 7 yards. The safe move here is to punt and try to pin your opponent down.

  • Mike Tomlin does not play it safe.

Out went Russell Wilson with the big boy package. A first down here and the Steelers win, otherwise the Steelers were almost stopping Washington a field goal.

All eyes lay on Wilson. The tension was palpable. Everyone was excited. Jer’Zhan Newton got a little too excited and entered the neutral zone. First down Steelers!

After the game, when asked if he’d really planned to go for it, Mike Tomlin answered with a shit-eating grin, “We’ll never know, will we?”

But we do know that with the game on the line, the Commanders lost control, and the Steelers returned to Pittsburgh with a one-point victory.

 

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Uninspiring, but Steelers Beat Broncos 13-6, Lead AFC North in Week 2 of 2024

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The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos 13 to 6, improving their 2024 record to 2-0 and giving Mike Tomlin just his second win in the Mile High City.

  • If there’s a single word to describe this win it would be “Uninspiring.”

To be sure, the Steelers defense authored a solid game, end-to-end and, as it did last week in Atlanta, delivered splash plays when the game was on the line. But what of the Steelers offense? Alas, that is another question.

Arthur Smith’s offense logged a respectable but unspectacular 10-0 halftime lead. But they unfortunately sputtered through the second half and in the process, they created more questions about themselves than they answered. But, given the franchise’s history in this city perhaps that’s a given.

Cory Trice Jr., Steelers Broncos

Cory Trice picks off Bo Nix in the end zone. Photo Credit: Steelers.com

Expect the Uncanny @ Mile High

Mile High Stadium has not been kind to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, Chuck Noll’s 1984 Steelers upset John Elway in the Broncos in one of the biggest playoff upsets wins in franchise history. And Bill Cowher’s 2005 Steelers punched their ticket to Super Bowl XL and One for the Thumb by beating the Broncos in the AFC Championship at Mile High.

  • But rest assured citizens of Steelers Nation, those wins are exceptions.

Beyond simply proving to be a tough place to win, uncanny things seem to happen to the Steelers at Mile High. Consider:

And as those who remember that miserable 2018 loss can attest, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncanny for the Steelers at Mile High.

Given that it is hardly surprising that George Pickens would have a 51 yard catch and then a touchdown negated by penalties, or that the Steelers would see yet another center to quarterback snap short-circuit.

Yet the Steelers were able to overcome those miscues and leave Denver with a win. Let’s look at why.

Fields Second Start Goes Smoothly. Until It Doesn’t

A week ago Justin Fields played a smart and efficient game and won his first start in the season opener against Atlanta. Mike Tomlin, citing Russell Wilson’s ongoing calf issue, announced that Fields would start again.

Was there a quarterback controversy brewing in Pittsburgh?

For two quarters, Justin Fields made it look like that just might be in the works. Justin Fields led the Steelers to two scores in the first half. While the offense was hardly dominant, it was efficient. The Steelers kept drives alive, converted third downs and Fields was particularly effective in the Red Zone, with precision passes to Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the later of which was a touchdown.

Fields closed the half by running a text book two-minute drill and saw a touchdown catch negated by a highly questionable offensive pass interference call against Van Jefferson. The Steelers nonetheless got on the board with a Chris Boswell field goal.

Going into the locker room, commentators were singing Fields’ praises, a tune which Bill Cowher echoed in the studio.

But if the first half left us wondering whether Justin Fields could keep Russell Wilson on the sideline indefinitely, the second half likely left more than a few wondering just how quickly Wilson’s calf would heal.

In Justin Fields defense, the Steelers sputtering second half effort was hardly all his fault. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren rushed for just under 65% of their yards in the first half. Credit Sean Payton’s Broncos for smothering the line of scrimmage, stuffing the Steelers run game and forcing third and long.

And Fields struggled on third down as the Steelers only converted 1 of 6 third downs.

Worse yet, their longest play of the second half was a 37 yard pass interference call on George Pickens which set up a 53-yard Chris Boswell field goal, their only score in the final 30 minutes.

Defense Dominates in Denver

Let’s acknowledge a few caveats from the outset:

  • Yes, the Steelers were roughing up a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix.
  • Yes, Steelers defense committed several penalties that would have been lethal in a competitive game
  • Yes, Broncos receivers dropped passes in droves
Payton Wilson, Courtland Sutton, Steelers vs Broncos

Payton Wilson tackles Courtland Sutton for no gain. Photo Credit: Steelers.com

All of those things are true. Its also true that the Steelers defense authored a second dominating performance in so many weeks. And even if the defense did get a little slopping at times committing unnecessary holding penalties and neutral zone infractions, Punter Ridley Dixon was arguably Denver’s offensive MVP.

A week ago T.J. Watt went down to Atlanta and acted as a one-man wrecking crew with the rest of the Steelers defenders knocking down what he’d left behind. Against Denver everyone got into the act:

  • Alex Highsmith had 1 sack and a tackle for a loss
  • Both DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson tackled ball carries behind the line of scrimmage
  • Patrick Queen and Isaiahh Loudermilk deflected passes, with Loudermilk’s saving a first down if not a score
  • Watt, Damontae Kazee and Joey Porter Jr. also got into the pass batting party

But perhaps the defense’s best play came on its worst drive. Bo Nix and Josh Reynolds had executed a picture-perfect play fake that saw Minkah Fitzpatrick bite hard only to get down the field to help with a touchdown saving tackle. But the damage had been done – Denver was knocking on Pittsburgh’s door from the 10 yard line.

Two plays later Nix thought he had Courtland Sutton in the end zone, but first-year man Cory Trice picked him off in the end zone, which in turn set up the Steelers lone 2nd half scoring drive.

And that’s the takeaway from the Steelers win at Empower Field: While the offense certainly must improve, the Steelers defense certainly looks good enough to give them the breathing room to make that improvement. And given the franchise’s history in the Mile High City, that’s a pretty good take away.

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Welcome Back! Steelers Resign Terrell Edmunds, Corliss Waitman

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Fresh off of their 2024 season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons the Steelers made three personnel moves, two were expected, the other was a bit of a surprise.

First, the Steelers placed punter Cameron Johnston on injured reserve, and signed Corliss Waitman to take his place, a predictable move on the Steelers part. However, their decision to sign Terrell Edmunds to the practice squad comes as a bit of a surprise, particularly after the secondary’s near-shutdown performance against the Falcons.

Aide from the fact that Omar Khan has again reaffirmed the principle that, “You can come home again” with the Steelers, what can we make of this?

Terrell Edmunds, Terrell Edmunds first interception, Steelers vs Buccaneers

Terrell Edmunds returns his first interception at Tampa Bay. Photo Credit: Karl Rosner, Steelers.com

Lots of Love for the Terrell Edmunds from Steelers Coaches

Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert shocked the world during the 2018 NFL Draft by picking Terrell Edmunds in the 1st round. The move turned heads not only because they passed on Lamar Jackson, (ouch) but because Edmunds was not on anyone’s radar screen.

But Terrell Edmunds became an immediate starter and went on to start 75 of his 79 games with the Steelers. And with several starters injured, Edmunds led the defense during the Steelers 2022 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This came after an offseason that saw Edmunds attract little or no interest in the free agent market and sign a “Prove It Contract” to remain in Pittsburgh. Yet after the 2023 season, the Steelers did not make a lucrative offer to Edmunds and he went on to Philadelphia, who in turn traded him to the Titans.

  • If the coaches favor Terrell Edmunds, it appears that the front office did not.

The Steelers could have resigned him in free agency and/or after the Jaguars waived him before their opener, but opted not to. By signing him after the season opener, the Steelers are required to keep him on their practice squad, but will need to pay his full salary if they should decide to cut him during the season.

It seems like Steelers coaches and the front office have come to a compromise on Edmunds.

  • Either way, with Terrell Edmunds back in the fold, the Steelers are loaded at safety.

Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are entrenched as starters, but they also have Edmunds, Damontae Kazee and Jayen Elliot to provide depth. Cam Sutton, who is serving a suspension, could further bolster that depth as he worked at safety during much of the summer.

Expect to see Teryl Austin deploy plenty of dimebacker and/or three safety packages as the 2024 season evolves.

Love, Pressley? Not So Much

Whenever the Steelers have had to replace an injured player midseason, their first instinct has been to look former players. At inside linebacker alone Sean Spence and Myles Jack have returned via this route in recent years.

When Johnston went down with what Mike Tomlin described in his post-game interview as a “serious injury” many fans wondered if Pressley Harvin III might soon be Pittsburgh bound. Btu that was not the case.

Instead, they turned to Waitman, who subbed for Harvin late in the 2021 season for their matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and for Ben Roethlisberger’s Heinz Field career finale against the Browns a week later.

Waitman punted well then – better than Harvin had – but did come very close to having one punt blocked. The Steelers kept him on their off season roster, but cut him early in the off season of 2022. After that, Waitman did punt for the entirety of the 2022 season for the Denver Broncos but did not see any regular season action in 2023 despite stints on the Patriots and Bears rosters/practice squads.

 

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The Case for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024

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The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 season is here. And again I’m honoring the memory and work of my friend, the late, great Ivan Cole, by penning “The Case for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.”

Ivan wrote these columns annually while he was at BTSC and then Going Deep with the Steelers.

And I am happy to continue his tradition as I try to meld my own insights while striving to find Ivan’s tone and voice.

Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson, George Pickens

Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson and George Pickens. Photo Credit: Reddit

A Mature, Self-Confident Franchise

So what is the “The Case for the Steelers in 2024” let’s use the words of Ivan himself to establish the ground rules:

Let me start with the disclaimer up front. If you’re looking for yet another set of predictions in what is the season of predictions you will be sorely disappointed here. I don’t do predictions, don’t believe in them. I’m sure someone will hit the nail on the head as to how the [2024] season will unfold, and there will be a certain element of skill involved in their assessment, but there will probably be a lot of luck involved as well.

What I attempt to bring to the table are some observations as to how to think about what factors might be key to a positive outcome for the Steelers this season. Specifically, what has to happen (and what has to not happen) in order for the team to, hopefully, make it to the playoffs and have a shot at the world championship.

No, these columns are intended to be predictive.

Case in point, one year ago this column cited the Steelers quarterback room as an area of strength. Yet after starting 3 separate quarterbacks in 2023, Mike Tomlin decided to completely remake the room in 2024.

  • But that actually points to one of the biggest assets this team has going into the season.

How’s that you ask? Fair question.

Fair question. But if you look at the way the Steelers brain trust has handled the quarterback situation, it reveals the franchise’s maturity and self-confidence. Suffice to say, the Kenny Pickett of 2023 did not pick up right where the “Kenny F___ Picket” of 2022 left off.

Far from it. But Mike Tomlin stuck by his young signal caller. First, he tried forcing his offensive coordinator to change ways. When that failed, Tomlin shattered franchise precedent and fired Matt Canada midseason.

Kenny Pickett, Johnathan Ledbetter

Kenny Pickett final play in Pittsburgh. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Tomlin then adopted a “fail fast” philosophy. When Kenny Pickett got injured on third down at the goal line against the Cardinals, Tomlin didn’t hesitate to go for it on 4th and goal. He did the same thing a week later against the Patriots. And, after giving Mitch Trubisky a full week to prepare and seeing him come woefully up short, Tomlin brought Pittsburgh’s Mitch Tribusky era to a shift end.

To a man, Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan kicked off the off season by expressing their faith in Kenny Pickett. Yet, Tomlin promised competition and Khan pledged to explore all available means to improve the team.

So when Russell Wilson became available for a song, the Steelers snatched him up immediately. And when Pickett balked at competing with and being mentored by a perennial Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion, they again embraced the fail-fast concept and shipped to the other end of Turnpike for clipboard holding duty.

  • Franchise self-confidence was also evident in the hire of Arthur Smith.

One of the benefits of employing the same coach for 17 years is that it gives you a data set that is booth deep and wide to draw samples from. And one of the things that we can say about Mike Tomlin is that while he may excel at many things as a head coach, cultivating young coaching talent is not one of them.

  • For his part, Mike Tomlin seems to realize that even if he has not said it in so many words.

Late last season we saw that, with competent quarterback play, the Steelers offense was capable of playoff-caliber football. But merely reaching the playoffs is not something that Mike Tomlin can or should take comfort in.

  • Fortunately, he does not.

The quarterback who got him to the playoffs is gone, as just good enough isn’t sufficient. Tomlin applied the same mindset to his coaching staff. It would have been very easy to point to the late season improvement and promote either Eddie Faulkner or Mike Sullivan to as his next offensive coordinator.

Instead, Mike Tomlin acknowledged he needed to go outside the organization for the first time in 10 years to fill the offensive coordinator spot and hired Arthur Smith, who promises to bring brand of football Pittsburgh hasn’t seen since Ken Whisenhunt’s days.

And that’s a brand difference that could become relevant given the roster that’s been assembled.

The Unheralded Steelers 2024 Offense

The Steelers have a history of bringing quarterbacks to Pittsburgh, but none have ever boasted the track record of Russell Wilson. Wilson is of course a Super Bowl champion and 9 time Pro Bowler. And, while his skills may have diminished at age 35, he still possesses a beautiful deep ball.

But it is the intangibles that Wilson brings to the Steelers that should give us the greatest cause for excitement. Ever since the moment he touched down in Pittsburgh, Wilson has made every effort not only to connect with the team, but with the entire city. Watch an interview with him and, you’ll see the portrait of the man able to strike a healthy equilibrium between self confidence and humility.

In that respect, Wilson seems like the ideal mentor for his understudy, Justin Fields. During the preseason both saw why Chicago drafted him with the 11th overall pick and we saw why they decided to move on. But he’s certainly worth a 6th round pick and an excellent man to have as your number two. Furthermore, sub packages involving Fields could inject an X-Factor into this offense not seen since the heyday of Slash during the 1995 season.

Kyle Allen rounds out the group. Last year we saw why the Steelers believe in keeping 3 quarterbacks and once again everyone on their depth chart has starting NFL experience.

That brings us to running back. Let’s begin by asking that we please tune out the Najee Harris vs Jaylen Warren “controversy.” Attempts to present this as an either/or proposition represent a false dichotomy.

Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren

Could we see Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren paired in the same backfield? Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield via SteelerNation.com

Instead, the Harris/Warren tandem gives Pittsburgh their most potent 1-2 combo since the brief stretch in the 2004 season with both Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis enjoyed full health. And Cordarrelle Patterson gives the Steelers a nice RB number 3 option who offers excellent position flexibility.

At tight end the Steelers will field their deepest group arguably since the early 1990s. Pat Freiermuth looks poised to have a breakout year. Darnell Washington should help re-establish the offense’s smash-mouth mentality. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt should give multiple options in the passing game, with Heyward able to do duty as a fullback when needed.

I would be remiss to say that, days before the season’s start, injuries to the offensive line make this an area of legitimate concern. In the last two year, slow starts by the Steelers offensive lines have nearly sabotaged both seasons. Given the back-loaded nature of this season’s schedule another slow start is something this team can ill afford.

If there is a silver lining it’s that the coaches are aware and can prepare. Yes, depth will be tested early, but at least the depth is there and it won’t be like getting a pop quiz on the day after summer vacation ends.

And finally, we come to the wide receivers, the one area of the depth chart that has generated as much angst among the fan base as all others combined. Debate and analysis of the strengths, or lack thereof, of the depth behind George Pickens is available in abundance elsewhere and need not be repeated here.

  • Could the doomsday predictions of the naysayers come to pass?

Yes, they certainly could. But the reverse could be true. And if you’re scoffing, ask yourself, who was the only legitimate stand-out at wide receiver on the 2005 squad that won Super Bowl XL? Hines Ward. Antwaan Randle El was a good number 2, and there are several players on the 2024 squad who can plausibly reach his level albeit with different skill sets.

  • Who were the number 3 and number 4 wide outs on the 2005 team?

You forgot, didn’t you? (It was Cedrick Wilson and Quincy Morgan — although I had to look them up.) And that’s in large part because of type of offense that the Steelers fielded under Ken Whisenhunt. An offense that is very similar to Arthur Smith. And Smith’s offense has the potential to be deeper at both tight end and running back than W’s was in 2005.

Does Defense Still Win Championships? We May Be About to Find Out

The “experts” assure as, as they have since at least 2011 or so, that defense is irrelevant in today’s pass happy, fantasy football fueled NFL.

The new conventional wisdom is that defenses don’t win championships franchise quarterbacks do.

  • NFL fans are instructed to question this dictum only at your peril.

Never mind that a defensive score helped provide Kansas City with his margin of error in Super Bowl LVII with a defensive turnover, and that Chiefs sustained its rally by disrupting Jaylen Hurts by forcing him out of the pocket in a direction he did not want to go. Never mind that network commentators spent the Super Bowl LVIII gushing over Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

As it relates to the Steelers, Steel City Insider’s Jim Wexell argues that this is the most talented defensive unit the franchise has fielded since 2010.

  • And that’s and argument that holds up well under objective observation.
Cam Heyward, Cam Heyward Franco Harris Number 32, Steelers vs Raiders

Paying homage to Franco, Cam Heyward leads Steelers out of tunnel. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

The defensive line is led by Cam Heyward who is as much a pillar of the franchise as Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis were before him. Keeanu Benton logged a sensational rookie year, and looks ready to make the proverbial sophomore leap. Larry Ogunjobi appears to be fully healthy and if he can remain that way he should continue to be a disruptive force.

Behind them we have DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Montravius Adams and Logan Lee giving us one of the deepest units in decades.

Looking over at the linebackers, one of the most exciting questions we can ask going into the season is “How will Teryl Austin find ways to get Nick Herbig on to the field?” No one is going to suggest he should be pushing T.J. Watt for time, but he’s given coaches every justification for setting up some sort of rotation and/or establishing a scheme that gets him, Watt and Alex Highsmith on the field at the same time.

At inside linebacker the Steelers have quantity, and they also look to have quality, with Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts leading the way, while Mark Robinson, Tyler Matakevich and Payton Wilson provide depth that features both youth and experience.

  • The secondary is another area of intrigue.

Last season Joey Porter Jr. showed everyone why he should have been a first round pick. Opposite him the Steelers will start Donte Jackson, with Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice, and Darius Rush rounding out the depth chart. A year ago the Steelers leaned into experience at cornerback, and ranked near the bottom of the league in yards per pass allowed.

  • This year they’re leaning into youth in hopes of reversing their fortunes.

At safety Minkah Fitzpatrick leads the way with DeShon Elliott and Damontae Kazee alongside him. Last year the Steelers really wanted to deploy their three safety package, but injuries seldom allowed them to. Look for the 3 safety package to return.

As the off season began, if you listened beyond the conversation about Kenny Pickett, you’d hear griping about how the Steelers defense failed to deliver given the franchise’s salary cap investment in that side of the ball.

Such analysis belies the fact that starting in late October, the defense began losing either a starting inside linebacker and/or a safety to injury (or suspension) each week. Yet the unit continued to make splay play after splash play that either sealed victory or kept the team in games as the offensive struggled.

If this defense can even maintain an average level of health it should be very, very dangerous.

A Final Word about the AFC North

Thus far I have made the case for the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers solely by looking at the mirror.

But of course the team does not exist in a vacuum, and instead in the AFC North, the division that sent 3 teams to the playoffs last year. The division that features Joe Burrow AND Lamar Jackson. The division that saw one of its teams go through 3 quarterbacks and still make the playoffs.

Yes, the Steelers play in this NFL’s toughest division. Yes, the Steelers will play the blunk of their division games in late in the year, on a ridiculously compacted schedule (don’t get me $tarted on the NFL’s hypocri$y when it comes to player $afety.)

  • Does this make the prospect of bringing home Lombardi Number 7 all the more daunting?

You bet it does. But if Pittsburghers know anything, its that iron sharpens iron.

Let the games begin!

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So the Steelers Opened Preseason Losing 20-12 to the Texans. Maybe That’s A Good Thing

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The Pittsburgh Steelers opened preseason with a 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans at Acisure Stadium Friday night in an effort which Mike Tomlin described as “Sloppy.”

Sloppy it was featuring:

  • Two fumbled snaps between quarterback and center
  • Key pass protection breakdowns on possession downs
  • A missed extra point
  • A muffed punt and several other missed opportunities
  • A 34 yard touchdown pass

The result was very different than the fast start, convincing victories that began the 2022 and 2023 exhibition season.

And to be honest, it’s a little refreshing.

Justin Fields, Steelers vs Texans preseason

Justin Fields is sacked. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

This is What Preseason is For

Both the summers of 2022 and 2023 features pristine preseasons for Pittsburgh. In 2022 they went 3-0 in preseason. In 2023 they went 3-0 again, looking better, sharper and more dominating on each side of the ball with each passing game.

The exhibitions were pleasing, they were enjoyable and they excited Steelers Nation.

  • But they also had a false feel to them.

Kenny Pickett looked like a star in the making in summer of 2022. He played so well many question whether he should have pushing giving Mitch Trubisky. Last summer he looked on the verge of realizing the greatness flashed in his “Kenny Fuc_ing Pickett” moment against the Ravens at the end of 2022. The defense looked just as dominant.

  • We all remember what happened once the games started counting for real.

And that’s why the Steelers performance against the Texans was so, daresay, encouraging. Because it wasn’t perfect nor did the Steelers feign perfection. Preseason is supposed to be the time to try out offensive line alignments, test new coverage schemes and give guys a chance to prove – or disprove themselves.

Even after acknowledging some of the warts, the Steelers showed a lot to like.

Positives Out of the Preseason Loss to the Texas

How much digital ink was spilled in the week before the game on the yet to materialize trade from Brandon Aiyuk? I doubt even Chat GPT could tell us. But what we saw against the Texans might tell us that we should hope that all of that trade talk continues to amount to nothing.

George Pickens looked good. As did Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller, two imports from Atlanta. And while Calvin Austin did disappoint by not hauling in that touchdown, he also made some nice plays.

  • The reason why they good might be more important.

Neither Najee Harris nor Jaylen Warren got a lot of work, but they both posted some solid runs. Both newcomers Jonathan Ward and Daijun Edwards made their case for a longer look for occupying roster spot number 53.

  • And one of the things that we already knew but that the game confirmed is that Arthur Smith likes play action.

And as Charlie Batch explained during the broadcast, when you run on first down it sets up play action perfectly. And we could see both Justin Fields and Kyle Allen taking advantage of that split second bit of confusion that pretending to hand off caused.

  • The Steelers defense also had its standouts.

DeMarvin Leal, perhaps one of most critical non-starters on this team, lived up to what we’ve been hearing about in training camp. The Steelers desperately need a fourth lineman behind Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton and Leal is staking his claim to that role.

Nick Herbig continued to shine as an up and comer. And with Markus Golden retiring after a brief return, Jacoby Windmon began staking his claim to the OLB number 4 slot.

Points of Concern

While all of those positives are real, the Steelers lost for a reason. Both Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu appeared to struggle at times, and Fautanu’s injury is at least a yellow flag.

Quez Watkins looked like a deer in the headlights while attempting to return punts. In contrast, the Texans averaged 16.7 yards in punt returns – that’s an average that could get Omar Khan calling his counterpart at the Giants asking about Miles Boykin’s availability.

Damontae Kazee also whiffed badly with a missed tackle at the 5 and allowed the Texans’ first touchdown. Yet Ryan Watts looked good playing on the back end.

From Bad Comes Good?

In contrast to the past two years, the Steelers come back to St. Vincents with plenty to work on. That’s a good thing.

While I don’t think the 6-0 preseason records in the previous lulled the players or the coaching staff into a sense of complacency, I do think that the inconsistent performance against the Texans will reinforce a sense of urgency.

  • We may have already seen evidence of it on Friday night.

A year ago against Tampa Bay, Kenny Pickett played for one series lasting 10 snaps and then was done. Justin Fields remained in for 3 full series. While there’s no time to do compare snap counts for other starters, it did appear that the first string got more work. Good. They needed it.

Mike Tomlin described his team’s effort as a JV performance. Embracing that truth now gives the Steelers their best chance to field a varsity performance when they open for real in Atlanta against the Falcons in one month.

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Steelers Need to Keep Miles Killebrew in Pittsburgh

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Steelers free agent signings fall into three categories: Guys you’re glad came to Pittsburgh, ones you wish were, and others whose names prompt you to ask, “Who?”

Miles Killebrew falls into that latter category. But there’s no doubt he’s one of Kevin Colbert’s better under the radar signings. Now Killebrew is set to become a free agent again. Will Omar Khan keep him in the Steel City?

Miles Killebrew, Steelers vs Patriots

Miles Killebrew blocks his second punt of the season. Photo Credit: AP, via Tribune-Review

Capsule Profile of Miles Killebrew Career with the Steelers

At first glance, Miles Killebrew’s stat line with the Steelers seems pretty spare. He’s had 43 tackles in three seasons and two for losses. Taking a deeper look doesn’t help much – his defensive snap count topped out at 10% in 2023, and that was thanks to injures to Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Trenton Thompson and Damontae Kazee‘s suspension.

  • But here’s a much more meaningful stat: 4.

As in Miles Killebrew has blocked 4 punts for the Pittsburgh Steelers during his three years in the Steel City. In 2021 he blocked a punt in the opener, helping swing the game vs the Bills in Pittsburgh’s favor. His blocked punt against the Chargers also sparked a fourth quarter rally that fell just short.

His blocked punt against the Ravens opened the door to a Steelers comeback, and his blocked punt against the Patriots should have done the same.

Oh, and during his time with the Steelers, Killebrew has played 68, 66 and 71% of special teams snaps.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning Miles Killebrew

Nothing can shift the course of a game like a big special teams play as the San Francisco 49ers and ex-Steelers returner Ray-Ray McCloud reminded the world in the Super Bowl. Miles Killebrew is a Pro Bowl special teamer who can will and does make those game-changing plays.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Miles Killebrew

Miles Killebrew’s got a nice story going for him, but he’s also a veteran and someone who likely cannot be brought back on a veteran minimum. Wouldn’t the Steelers be better suited to having someone who excels at special teams and can be something more than an “In case of emergency, break glass” player at another position?

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Miles Killebrew

The Steelers are smart enough know what they have in Miles Killebrew and should have the salary cap space to keep in in Pittsburgh. Expect that to happen.

Keep up with Steelers Free Agency. Click here for all of Steelers 2024 coverage.

 

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Steelers Report Card for the 2023 Season – Glad the Grading is Over Edition

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Taken from the grade book of a teacher who is glad to be done with grading for a while, here is the Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card for the 2023 season.

T.J. Watt, Jake Browning, Steelers vs Bengals

T.J. Watt strip sacks Jake Browning. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Quarterbacks
Both Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky disappointed. Kenny Pickett not only failed to make the “second year leap” he posted some historically anemic passing numbers. Trubisky had multiple chances both as a reliever and a starter to show why he belongs in this game, and he squandered them. The difference is Trubisky turned over the ball, Pickett did not. Mason Rudolph in contrast, elevated the entire offense. IT was a different unit with him on the field. And his performance pulls the group’s grade up. Grade: C+Steelers, Report Card, grades,

Running Backs
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren entered uncharted territory for the franchise this year, becoming the only 2 running backs to get a carry (although Anthony McFarland did catch 2 passes in the opener.) Both men earned over 1000 yards from scrimmage, with Najee Harris rushing for 1035 yards – his third consecutive 1000 yard season. We saw as the season progressed, the running backs were capable when they had the blocking. Grade: A-

Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth got hurt in the opener and then played through injuries for the first several weeks until missing several games in the middle of the season. His effectiveness was limited, but he did come on late. Darnell Washington did a respectable job for a rookie. Connor Heyward was a quality role player and his presence as a blocker was notable late in the season. Grade: C

Wide Receivers
The Steelers wideouts had their ups and downs. George Pickens flashed early in the season, but struggled in the number one role. His attitude came into question, but he closed the year with a bang. Diontae Johnson was injured early in the season, and took some time to find his stride. Calvin Austin flashed on a few plays, but otherwise was a non-factor. Allen Robinson served as a serviceable slot receiver. Myles Boykin didn’t see much action outside of special teams. Grade: B

Offensive Line
This unit was easily the biggest disappointment for the first half of the season. Pass blocking was poor and run blocking appeared to be non-existent at times. The change began when Broderick Jones entered the starting lineup. However, the rest of the line improve, particularly as Isaac Seumalo got his legs under him. The improvement was important, but the difficulty the Steelers had running the ball against Buffalo shows that this group has a long way to go. Grade: C-

Defensive Line
This group got a taste of what life could be like after Cam Heyward, and at times that was pretty scary. Early in the year it looked as if the Steelers run defense might revert to 2021 form. However, the unit improved as Keeanu Benton worked his way into the line up. Still, it would be nice to call out a few other up and comers. Grade: B-

Alex Highsmith, Steelers vs Browns, Alex Highsmith interception

Alex Highsmith intercepts Deshaun Watson out of the gate. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune Review

Linebackers
T.J. Watt authored another Defensive Player of the year worthy performance. Watt proved time and time again he is a generational talent capable of altering the course of a game by himself. Alex Highsmith’s numbers were down a bit from his previous year, but Highsmith delivered, as did outside linebacking backups Markus Golden and Nick Herbig. At inside linebacker, it took a while to jell, but the Steelers had quite a troika there in Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander. Then of course Holcomb and Alexander got hurt, as did Roberts, forcing the Steelers to look to the street for replacements. Those guys did well enough, but the absence of the starters was significant. Grade: B+

Secondary
When the Steelers opened against San Francisco, Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace were the starting corners, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee and safety Keanu Neal formed a troika while Eric Rowe sat on the Carolina Panthers practice squad. When the Steelers closed at Baltimore, Joey Porter Jr. was a starting corner, Levi Wallace was back as a starter as Patrick Peterson was playing safety alongside Eric Rowe. Yes, this unit weathered a lot of adversity. And while their numbers might not have been flashy, they had as big a part of keeping the Steelers in games as did any other unit on the defense. Grade: B

Miles Killebrew, Steelers vs Patriots

Miles Killebrew blocks his second punt of the season. Photo Credit: AP, via Tribune-Review

Special Teams
Miles Killebrew was a one man wrecking crew blocking 2 punts during the season. Calvin Austin may not have done much as a receiver, but he proved to be a good punt returner. Godwin Igwebuike proved to be a solid kick returner with “upside.” Steelers kick coverage could have been better at times, but it was never a liability. Pressley Harvin’s punting was inconsistent, and that brings the group’s grade down. Grade: B+

Coaching
The Steelers coaches’ score card for 2023 contains ugly, bad and good.

The ugly stems from the ill-fated decision to retain Matt Canada. None of the progress evident during the final half of the 2022 season was evident in 2023. Instead, the Steelers fielded one of the most anemic offensive efforts franchise history. Three and outs became the norm. The Steelers failed to establish the running game and Kenny Pickett did not progress.

For as disappointing as Kenny Pickett’s failure to make the “second year leap” was, the Steelers worst stretch of the season came when Kenny Pickett was out. Mitch Trubisky showed a lot of leadership, looked in command on the field, but he ultimately failed to rally the team in relief of Pickett and floundered in his first two starts.

  • Mike Tomlin had treated Mason Rudolph as a “nice to have” and he should have given him stronger consideration sooner.

The Steelers defense had its struggles early on too. But as the troika of inside linebackers found their stride, the unit perked up. Then they started to get hurt. Many Steelers fans question why Mike Tomlin extended Teryl Austin for two more years.

They should not. Austin’s defense may never have broached shut down level, but it displayed an uncanny knack for delivering big plays at critical moments. This continued throughout the season, despite the fact that Austin had to rebuild the middle of his defense, almost on a weekly basis.

Mike Tomlin, Steelers vs Patriots

Mike Tomlin on the sidelines. Photo Credit: AP, via Tribune-Review

If Mike Tomlin deserves criticism for retaining Canada and the horrid 10 quarter stretch that followed Pickett’s injury – and he does – he also earns credit. When the bottom falls out on and NFL team late in the season like that, free fall generally ensues.

Mike Tomlin made sure the opposite happened, defying the odds and landing his team in the playoffs, where they made a spirited run at a Super Bowl favorite. Grade: C+

Front Office
The improvement of the Steelers in 2023 can be tied, in many respects, directly to integration of its rookie class into the starting line ups. Omar Khan and Andy Wedil’s first draft won accolades.

That was nice, but the Steelers 2023 draft class helped the team win games, which is far more important.

Chris Boswell, Steelers vs Bengals,

Chris Boswell boots it. Photo Credit: Barry Reeger

The front offense proved to be quick on its feet, as the Steelers found themselves cycling through street free agents at safety and inside linebacker. Likewise the free agents Khan brought to Pittsburgh also accounted itself well. Grade: A

Unsung Hero Award
The Steelers offense had trouble scoring for most of the year. At times it had difficulty doing anything right. But there was one player who could be counted on to score when his number was called, and he delivered 56 times out of 59 and for that Mr. Automatic Chris Boswell wins the Unsung Hero Award for the Steelers 2023 season.

 

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Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Season in Review: Expect the Unexpected

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It started in a moment of triumph. Mike Tomlin’s “Kenny f___ing Pickett” after Pickett’s last-minute comeback against the Ravens on January 2nd started 2023 giving Steelers Nation permission to “Believe.”

  • And Steelers Nation believed.

Before the ’22 campaign even ended, Steel City Study’s Jeremy Hertz declared, “I can’t wait for training camp next summer!”

Then Omar Khan led the most aggressive free agency effort in franchise history. Next came the draft, where the Steelers 2023 draft class won universal praise, even from hardened skeptics.

  • Belief morphed into expectation.

Expectations skyrocketed after a sterling Steelers preseason. All of it remains understandable, even in 20/20 hindsight, but the story of the Steelers 2023 season is simple: Expect the unexpected.

Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett, Steelers 2022 Training Camp, Steelers St. Vincents 2022

Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett in 2022 at St. Vincents. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Ominous Opening Day Omen

In 2023, for the first time since 2014, the Steelers opened the season in Pittsburgh. Their opponent was the San Francisco 49ers, an NFC heavyweight and a Super Bowl favorite.

  • What a perfect opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to prove themselves.
49ers fans Acrisure Stadium, Steelers vs 49ers

49ers fans invade Acrisure Stadium. Photo Credit: 49ers.com

Yet even before the opening kickoff, something was amiss: 49ers fans were taking over Acrisure Stadium. Steelers fans gloat when Steelers Nation invades stadiums on the road. It’s not so funny when the tables are turned. As Jack Lambert said, the Steelers should be the intimidators.

  • This phenomenon in the stands foreshadowed events on the field.

The Steelers were terrible. The offensive line got dominated like rag dolls by the 49ers. Kenny Pickett was tentative, inaccurate and ineffective. The Steelers defense appeared to play a speed slower than the 49ers offense.

The 49ers exposed Pittsburgh as pretenders not contenders. Worse yet, the Steelers saw Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth and Cam Heyward fall to injuries.

But it fell to Anthony McFarland that set the tone for what was to come. McFarland was the only player who stood out that disappointing day. His arrow was pointing up. Or so it seemed. McFarland went on IR after the game and got cut before season’s end.

Yes, expectations were dangerous things for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans.

2023 Pittsburgh Steelers Validate Ken Beatrice’s Wisdom

When future generations browse the 2023 Steelers season on Pro Football Reference and glance at weeks 2-12 they’re think, “OK, the opener was bad and the Houston loss was ugly, but they won several close games against some decent teams. They must have improved.”

That’s the logical conclusion. It’s also the wrong one.

From week 2 to week 12 the Steelers validated legendary Washington DC radio journalist Ken Beatrice’s argument that “…Every Sunday in the NFL, very few teams win games. It is most often the case that the other team loses.” The Steelers didn’t win those games, they avoided losing them.

  • The Steelers offense was atrocious.

It quickly became apparent Mike Tomlin erred badly in retaining Matt Canada. He tried moving Canada to the sidelines. That didn’t work. But more than Canada ailed the offense.

The offensive line struggled. The progress and promise they showed in the second half of 2022 was a mirage. Najee Harris, when he wasn’t getting tackled behind the line of scrimmage, struggled to manage a couple-of-three yards in what Jim Wexell decried as “Sludge ball.” Jaylen Warren looked better, but he got fewer carries.

Kenny Pickett struggled, except during the 4th quarter, when his “clutch gene” kicked in. To be fair to Pickett, with Pat Friermuth and Dionte Johnson out, he had few weapons to target. George Pickens flashed, but struggled in double coverage. Allen Robinson was nice to have and Calvin Austin was little more than a place holder.

The Steelers defense struggled against the run without Cam Heyward, and at cornerback Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace left fans screaming for Joey Porter Jr. to start.

Joey Porter Jr., Steelers vs Ravens

Joey Porter Jr. gets his first interception. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Yet the offense avoided turning over the ball, and the defense showed an uncanny knack for making big plays at the right time:

  • Week two vs Cleveland saw Minkah Fitzpatrick open with a tipped pass that Alex Highsmith turned into a pick six.
    Alex Highsmith closed with a strip sack by Highsmith that T.J. Watt returned for a TD
  • Next week, Levi Wallace closed a 23-18 game with an interception vs. Oakla.. er Las Vegas
  • Against Baltimore, Joey Porter, Jr. picked off a pass in the end zone with 4 minutes remaining
    Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt followed with another strip-sack, fumble-recovery combo
    T.J. Watt closed the game with a sack
  • Against Los Angeles, T.J. Watt opened the second half with an 24 yard interception return, setting up a touchdown, in a 24-17 win
  • Against the Titans, Kwon Alexander closed 20-16 game with an end zone interception.
  • Against Green Bay, Damontae Kazee closed a 23-19 game with an interception at the Packers’ 2.
  • In a 20-26 win over Cincinnati, Trenton Thompson ended the Bengals opening drive of the 2nd half with a Red Zone interception.

And this list of plays that saw the Steelers defense either score, set up scores and/or take certain points off the board for the opponent doesn’t include numerous other turnovers, key third down stops and/or sacks.

What’s makes this stretch of defensive fireworks all the more impressive starting in November, the Steelers practically lost a starting inside linebacker and/or a starting safety to injury each and every week.

No, they weren’t pretty, but the Black and Gold kept winning. Until they didn’t.

December Arrives. And Unpretty Winning Turns to Losing Ugly. Fast.

Firing coordinators during the season is something the Steelers never do. It just isn’t in their DNA.

Yet, Mike Tomlin opened Thanksgiving week by firing Matt Canada after an awful outing in Cleveland. Kenny Pickett and the offense perked up a bit that week against Cincinnati, but were struggling against the 2-10 Arizona Cardinals at home the following week.

Zack Moss, Steelers vs Colts

Zack Moss gets Indy on the board. Photo Credit: AP, via Tribune Review

Shortly before halftime, on 3rd and 3 at the goal line, disaster struck as Kenny Pickett tried to run it in himself. Pickett didn’t score, but he did get injured. Najee Harris tried again on fourth down and failed.

  • The bottom fell out on the Steelers.

What followed was perhaps the worst 10 quarter stretch of football in the Mike Tomlin era. The Steelers lost the following week at home, against the 2-10 New England Patriots as Mitch Trubisky struggled.

A week later, the Steelers managed to play even worse against the Indianapolis Colts. Not only did Trubisky’s struggles continue, Damontae Kazee got ejected and ultimately suspended. Worse yet, the Colts closed the game by ramming the ball down the middle against a Steelers defense that was powerless to stop it. It looked like they had quit.

When the NFL announced Damontae Kazee’s suspension, it was for the rest of 2023, including the playoffs. Kazee appealed. The NFL acquiesced, agreeing to allow Kazee’s return for the playoffs.

That seemed like a cruel joke. The Steelers had just dropped 3 straight and were looking worse with each passing week. The only thing standing in between Steelers ending 2023 on a 6 game losing streak was the chance that John Harbaugh might rest his starters in the season finale against Baltimore.

Rudolph to the Rescue

Mason Rudolph, once Ben Roethlisberger’s heir apparent, toiled in obscurity for three years. Rudolph dove into free agency during the 2023 off season, but he returned to Pittsburgh because no one else wanted him. Rudolph mopped up at the ass-end of the Colts game and looked as bad as everyone else.

Mason Rudolph, Steelers vs. Seahawks, Najee Harris

Mason Rudoph and Najee Harris during the Steelers 2023 win over the Seahawks. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.come

So Mike Tomlin appeared to be desperate when he named Mason Rudolph as his starter for that Bengals game. Then a funny thing happened:

The Steelers not only won their next three games, they won convincingly. They even won in Seattle, and the Steelers NEVER win in Seattle. The offense came alive, and players like Eric Rowe and Myles Jack literally stepped off to couch to make game-changing plays on defense.

What was different?

  • One thing. You had competent quarterback play.

Mason Rudolph forced defenses to respect the deep ball. They couldn’t crowd the box. Opposing special teams coordinator didn’t automatically tell his punt return unit to get their helmets on each time the Steelers were in 3rd and 5 or more.

George Pickens – a candidate to be benched for the rest of the season after Indianapolis – exploded for 326 and 2 touchdowns in two games, and a delivered a devastating block in the season finale. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren romped. Defenders like Nick Herbig and Patrick Peterson made splash plays at critical moments.

And so it was that the Steelers went from being a 7-7 team looking at a near-certain 7-10 finish on December 16th in Indianapolis, to a 10-7 team that stood in Buffalo just 7 points away from tying the AFC’s number 2 seed with just 7:18 left in the game.

Word to the Wise, Put 2023 Lesson to Work

Kenny Pickett demonstrably failed to make the “2nd year leap” in 2023 as hopped. And the tempting take away would be that it is unreasonable for the Steelers to expect him to make that leap in 2024.

But perhaps Pickett will prove once again the lesson coming out of 2023 for the Pittsburgh Steelers is to expect the unexpected.

 

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