The Pittsburgh Steelers defied expectations in 2023, finishing with a 10-7 record and securing a playoff berth for the third time in four years. However, their postseason journey was once again cut short in the Wild Card round, marking their third consecutive early exit.
The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for Steelers fans. There were exhilarating highs, like their Week 5 victory over the Ravens, which propelled them to a 3-2 record, and their Week 12 triumph over the Bengals, improving their standing to 7-4. However, these highs were counterbalanced by crushing lows, including a demoralizing losing streak against the Cardinals and Patriots, a streak that cemented their place in NFL history as the first team with over 500 wins to suffer consecutive losses against opponents eight games below .500. Despite these setbacks, the Steelers rallied to win their final three games, securing a 10-7 record before their heartbreaking 31-17 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Steelers entered the offseason determined to address their shortcomings, making significant moves, particularly at the quarterback position. They traded their former first-round pick, Kenny Pickett, to the Eagles and made a splash by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal. In another unexpected move, they traded for former Bears quarterback Justin Fields. These transactions signaled a clear intention to revamp their offense.
Despite these changes, concerns linger for the Steelers entering the 2024 season. The most prominent question mark revolves around their quarterback situation. Can Russell Wilson regain his Pro Bowl form and provide stability to an offense that desperately needs it?
Examining the Steelers’ Offseason Moves: A Mixed Bag of Gains and Losses
The Steelers’ most significant acquisition in free agency was undoubtedly former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. They secured Queen on a three-year, $41 million contract, a move that raised eyebrows among some fans and analysts due to its perceived high cost. While Queen is undoubtedly talented, his price tag, making him the fourth highest-paid inside linebacker at the time, sparked debate.
However, the contract’s structure, with only $13.8 million guaranteed, offers the Steelers some long-term financial flexibility. This becomes crucial as young defensive stars like George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and eventually Joey Porter Jr. become eligible for extensions.
The hope is that Queen replicates his impressive 2023 performance, where he played at a Pro Bowl level, solidifying the linebacker position for the Steelers for years to come.
In addition to Queen, the Steelers made several other notable moves:
- Special Teams Boost: They signed punter Cameron Johnston from the Texans, brought back Miles Killebrew, and added veteran return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson, despite being 33, could be a game-changer under the new kickoff rules. Imagine a scenario where Patterson returns a kickoff for a touchdown in a tightly contested Week 15 matchup, securing a gritty 13-10 victory for the Steelers, a testament to their defensive resilience and special teams prowess.
- Wide Receiver Depth: The addition of wide receiver Van Jefferson provides the Steelers with a reliable target who has shown flashes of brilliance. While a 1,000-yard season might be a stretch, a 500-600 yard campaign in this offense is well within reach.
- Veteran Presence in the Secondary: The signing of veteran safety DeShon Elliott brings much-needed experience to the Steelers’ secondary. While not a Pro Bowl-caliber player, Elliott’s consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset alongside the All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick. This safety duo has the potential to be one of the league’s best, complementing each other’s strengths.
A Formidable Defense with One Potential Weakness
The Steelers’ defense in 2024 is poised to be a force to be reckoned with. Led by six-time Pro Bowler T.J. Watt, who is coming off a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season, the Steelers boast a fearsome pass rush.
The combination of Watt, his running mate Alex Highsmith, and a formidable interior defensive line featuring veterans Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, alongside the promising second-year player Keanu Benton, will undoubtedly terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
However, the secondary, particularly the cornerback position, raises some concerns. Outside of Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers lack proven talent at cornerback. While the relentless pass rush will undoubtedly mask some of these deficiencies, it remains a question mark entering the season.
The Steelers’ defensive success hinges on their ability to generate turnovers, much like they did in 2023, where they finished eighth in the league with 27 takeaways. With Watt and Highsmith constantly harassing quarterbacks, expect more hurried throws, errant decisions, and, ultimately, more opportunities for the Steelers’ defense to flip the field.
The Offense: A Work in Progress with Reasons for Optimism
The 2024 Steelers offense is the biggest unknown heading into the season. After a dismal 2023 campaign where they ranked 28th in points per game, the Steelers are in dire need of offensive improvement.
The arrival of Russell Wilson brings both intrigue and uncertainty. Can he rediscover his Pro Bowl form? The Steelers don’t need him to be a top-10 quarterback; they need him to be competent, to avoid the disastrous performances that plagued their 2023 season. If Wilson can provide even average quarterback play, the Steelers’ offense will be significantly improved.
The key to offensive success will be complimentary football. The Steelers need to establish a consistent running game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, taking pressure off Wilson and controlling the clock. This, in turn, would provide their defense with much-needed rest and put them in favorable situations.
The offensive line, while young, has the potential to be a strength. The trio of Dan Moore Jr., Kendrick Green, and rookie center Landon Dickerson is all under 25 and on their rookie contracts. While there will be growing pains, the future looks bright for this unit.
The 2024 Draft Class: Immediate Impact and Long-Term Potential
The Steelers’ 2024 draft class is brimming with potential and could make an immediate impact.
- Offensive Line Anchors: First-round tackle Broderick Jones and second-round center Tyler Linderbaum are expected to start from day one, solidifying the offensive trenches for years to come.
- A Dynamic Weapon: Third-round receiver John Metchie III has the talent to be a steal. Imagine Metchie hauling in a crucial third-down conversion, silencing a raucous crowd on the road, showcasing his big-play ability and providing a much-needed spark to the Steelers’ offense.
- Depth and Special Teams: Linebacker Damone Clark and running back Brian Robinson Jr. provide depth and special teams value.
This draft class, combined with the Steelers’ young core, provides hope for a bright future.
The Road Ahead: A Challenging Schedule and Playoff Aspirations
The Steelers face a daunting schedule in 2024, particularly in the latter half of the season. From Week 11 to Week 18, they play six divisional games, with their only non-divisional opponents being the formidable Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
To secure a playoff berth, the Steelers must get off to a fast start. Their early-season schedule is crucial in building momentum and providing a cushion for the challenging stretch run. A 4-1 or 5-0 start would be ideal, as a losing record heading into the final eight games could spell doom for their playoff aspirations.
Conclusion: The Steelers’ Season Hinges on Quarterback Play
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 season with a talented roster, a strong defense, and a revamped offense. However, their success hinges on the performance of quarterback Russell Wilson. If Wilson can regain his Pro Bowl form, the Steelers have the potential to compete for the AFC North title and make a deep playoff run. However, if Wilson falters, the Steelers’ season could quickly unravel.
The Steelers’ 2024 season promises to be filled with intrigue, excitement, and hopefully, a return to the playoffs.
