The Steelers face a number of challenges this year as they navigate the transition from the legacy of Ben Roethlisberger to a new generation of offensive players.
At the Sports Porch, we’re curious to see if the team will take a big step towards a successful future without their legendary quarterback and with a new QB at the helm, or if they will regress like many teams do. Injuries and unexpected difficulties like suspensions or violations are always a concern, but the fall season also brings the opportunity for rookies and unproven players to make their mark in the NFL and have a major impact on the Steelers’ results.
Let’s look at some key players who will play a crucial role in the team’s success this season.
Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett is the major X-factor for the Steelers offense this season. As a rookie, he generated a lot of fanfare when he was drafted in the first round. He started the season as a backup but quickly became the starting QB. Pickett has a strong work ethic and is dedicated to his development. However, there is always a risk of setbacks, especially considering his history with concussions. The team has invested in the offensive line to protect him, and his performance will be key to the success of the offense this year. If he can continue to progress, it bodes well for the franchise’s future.
T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt has had a monumental impact on the Steelers’ success in the past. When he’s on the field, the team has an impressive record. His presence heavily influences the team’s defense, and he is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the Steelers. Even if the team finds a franchise quarterback, Watt remains the most important player this season. To keep the team successful, he will need to stay healthy and reliable week-to-week.
Cole Holcomb
Cole Holcomb may seem like a surprising pick, but he showed promise as a middle linebacker for the Washington Commanders. The Steelers have struggled to find a consistent contributor in this position for the past four years. In the offseason, they brought in Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, with Holcomb expected to take on the most starting reps. He was given a new contract, but he still needs to prove his worth before the team considers other options.
Joey Porter, Jr.
Joey Porter, Jr. was a highly anticipated pick in the 2023 draft. He has the potential to be an elite corner and has been making big plays during organized team activities. While it’s important to remember that evaluating players during these activities is not ideal, it’s still a positive start for his career. Porter, Jr. could make a significant difference in the secondary’s performance, potentially elevating it from good to exceptional.
Broderick Jones
The Steelers’ offensive line has been a major concern, but drafting Broderick Jones showed that the franchise is taking the issue seriously. However, reports from camp suggested that Jones is struggling to keep up with the pace of the NFL. He is a work in progress at the professional level. While there is a possibility he could start right away, going up against top pass rushers may be a reason to hold him back.
The coaches may also consider shaking up the offensive line, potentially placing Jones on the left and Moore on the right. Jones still has a lot to prove before he can be considered a starter, but his physical gifts and hard work make him a potential asset in protecting Kenny Pickett’s blindside.
As hardcore Steelers fans, we all want another Lombardi trophy, but defining a successful season can be challenging for any team in a rebuiling season. While avoiding a losing record may be seen as successful by the organization, true Steelers fans have their sights set on another championship victory.
Sports Porch Prediction: Game #1
In the highly anticipated home opener between the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans can anticipate an intense battle on the field. Despite the Steelers currently being in a rebuilding phase, they seem to exhibit a remarkable resilience comparable to steel itself.
Despite these things, however, we at The Sports Porch unfortunately expect Pittsburgh to be steam-rolled by at least 3 touchdowns in Game 1.
While the outlook for Game 1 might seem grim, it’s crucial to remember that the football season is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s a lot of football yet to be played this year, and for the Steelers, opportunity still awaits.
Chris Klein is the founder of Pittsburgh Beautiful, a platform dedicated to everything beautiful about the city of Pittsburgh. He is also the producer and host of The Sports Porch, a Pittsburgh-based Podcast and show on American Busker iHeart Radio. His family is rooted in Pittsburgh, and he resides with his wife, Lauren (The Pittsburgh Property Diva), in Monroeville.
