3 early games that will test the Pittsburgh Steelers revamped offense
By Shayne Kubas
The Steelers offense is coming off their worst showing in years, but a new-look unit will have a chance to prove themselves. Here are 3 early game tests for the Steelers revamped offense.
We have known for a while now who the Steelers 2022 opponents will be, but we finally know the when and where. The NFL released the full schedules for all 32 teams, including the Steelers eighth consecutive year starting the season away from Heinz Field.
That first road game is a huge one, as they will face the reigning AFC Champion and division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Many questions will need to be answered by kickoff of that game, but the most important is this: what does the Steelers revamped offense look like?
The focus of the offseason has been on giving OC Matt Canada more pieces to work with, and it is now up to him to make them fit. Additions across the offensive line and at the skill positions have raised the floor of the offense, but just how high of a ceiling do they have?
That answer could come early in the season as the Steelers face some of the better defenses in the NFL. Here are three early tests for the Steelers offense, starting with Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals, Week 1
It’s fitting that the Steelers first opportunity to redeem last year’s offense comes against the Bengals. Two of the worst showings by the offense last year came against the AFC champions, and they are bringing back almost their entire defense from last season. They also used five of their six draft picks to strengthen their secondary and defensive line.
The Bengals didn’t have an elite defense during the regular season, but they turned it up for the playoffs. They forced 9 turnovers in 4 playoff games, including an overtime interception of Patrick Mahomes in the AFC championship.
They couldn’t do quite enough to stop the Rams in the Superbowl, but they outperformed expectations nonetheless. The Steelers will likely play several more talented defenses next year, but they have more to prove against Cincinnati than any other opponent.
They only scored 20 total points in their two match-ups, including a 41-10 blowout loss in week 12. With rookie receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III and two new potential starting QBs in Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky entering the fold, the offense will at least look much different. How different remains to be seen, but a strong showing in week 1 would be a big step forward.