For the previous few seasons, it’s felt just like the Pittsburgh Steelers have been operating in place. They’ve remained within the playoff image, however they’ve been unable to grow to be a menace within the postseason. This 12 months, they made a number of large strikes making an attempt to vary that, together with buying and selling for DK Metcalf and signing Aaron Rodgers. Nonetheless, analyst Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t assume the Steelers can be a lot completely different this 12 months in comparison with their different latest seasons.
“The Steelers by no means have shedding seasons,” Jeremiah stated Thursday on The Wealthy Eisen Present. “I don’t assume it’s very controversial to say that is gonna be a 10-win staff. Perhaps the vary is 9 to 11, someplace in there, but it surely seems like they’re gonna be an excellent staff.
“They’re gonna be within the playoffs, however he’s not ok, neither is the roster in ok place for them to do numerous injury as soon as they get to the postseason.”
A season like which may really feel like Groundhog Day for Steelers followers. That’s precisely the type of outcomes they’ve seen over the previous two years. The Steelers safe a playoff spot, however they fail to match up in opposition to the higher expertise within the AFC. It’s one of many fanbase’s greatest frustrations in the intervening time.
That wouldn’t simply be much like the Steelers’ final two seasons, although. They haven’t received greater than 10 video games for the reason that 2020 season, after they went 12-4. Sadly, that season additionally ended with out the Steelers successful a playoff sport.
With Pittsburgh not successful a playoff sport for the reason that 2016 season, there’s not numerous optimism that issues will change this 12 months. Regardless of the additions of gamers like Rodgers and Metcalf, the Steelers’ roster nonetheless appears flawed. Their offensive line has query marks and so they’re missing in confirmed playmakers on offense. It’s even unclear what degree Rodgers can nonetheless play at.
Nonetheless, the Steelers aren’t completely hopeless. If he can a minimum of play like he did final 12 months, Rodgers could possibly be the Steelers’ greatest quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. They’ve received regardless of poor play beneath middle in recent times. If Rodgers generally is a optimistic contributor, then the Steelers might need a preventing likelihood within the postseason.
This season will doubtless really feel like a failure if the Steelers don’t win a playoff sport. Whereas it isn’t their final objective, it will be a step in the suitable path for them. Having one other middling 12 months that ends in postseason failure wouldn’t meet the Steelers’ customary. Jeremiah’s prediction doubtless wouldn’t be ok for anybody within the metropolis of Pittsburgh.
