The Pittsburgh Steelers have modified so much this offseason. They misplaced a whole lot of gamers who’ve been in Pittsburgh for some time, resembling Minkah Fitzpatrick and Najee Harris. Nevertheless, in addition they added a whole lot of gifted items, like DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey. The Steelers are making a push to be a risk within the playoffs this yr. Lately, they’ve been extra like an afterthought within the postseason, not threatening opposing groups. Analyst Danny Parkins ranked them because the Twelfth-best staff within the NFL, pondering they’ve what it takes to make the playoffs.
“I don’t love the drama that Aaron Rodgers brings, however I do know that Mike Tomlin doesn’t care about drama,” Parkins stated Wednesday on FS1’s First Issues First. “He’s handled it with Le’Veon Bell, he’s handled it with Antonio Brown.
“If you are able to do it with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, you may actually do it with Aaron Rodgers. I really like the thought of [Pat] Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith and DK Metcalf. That’s pass-catchers who block, who will assist an previous quarterback keep wholesome.”
Parkins is right that Tomlin has accomplished a very good job managing massive personalities previously. Rodgers is controversial, however he shouldn’t be as massive of a problem as Brown or Bell have been. The four-time MVP has additionally expressed his dedication to the Steelers.
Additionally, Rodgers might be the Steelers’ greatest quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. They’ve accomplished extra with much less below heart. In 2023, they made the playoffs with a mixture of Trubisky, Pickett, and Rudolph beginning all through the season. None of them performed at a excessive degree, both. If Rodgers can no less than play like his previous self at occasions, then Pittsburgh’s offense needs to be higher.
He’s not their solely new face, both. Metcalf, Smith, Ramsey, and Darius Slay have the potential to raise the Steelers, too. Like Rodgers, some gamers are previous their prime, however they carry worthwhile expertise to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers didn’t solely add veterans. They drafted some gamers with excessive potential. Derrick Harmon figures to be a starter on their defensive position. Kaleb Johnson ought to assist the Steelers exchange Harris’ presence of their backfield. For all that they misplaced, they did a very good job discovering replacements.
Now, all of that doesn’t assure the Steelers a playoff spot. All these items have to suit collectively. The Steelers appear like a playoff staff on paper, however that expertise has to point out up on the sphere for any of it to matter. The AFC is house to a number of aggressive groups. Pittsburgh might discover itself on the surface wanting in when the postseason rolls round if their new look staff doesn’t jell.
