The NFL preseason is over and the Steelers kick off their 2022 season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are some things to know for the matchup.
There has not been a Steelers season in recent memory with as big of a question mark as this season has since 2004. The team is entering its first year without their franchise quarterback of the last 18 years in Ben Roethlisberger.
On Sunday, September 11th, the Steelers will begin a whole new era and most people cannot agree on what this team will look like for 2022 and beyond. Many think they can still be competitive while others think they will sink to the bottom of their division.
There are many uncertainties surrounding the team and the many questions will soon begin to get answers. Here are some key things to know in this week’s matchup of bitter AFC North rivals.
Mitch Trubisky is officially named the starter
The long-awaited announcement has come and the most likely scenario has played out. Per Brooke Pryor, Mike Tomlin announced Trubisky will be the Steelers starter to begin the season. Kenny Pickett begins as the second-string quarterback on the depth chart.
This is the outcome almost everyone expected. Trubisky was brought in to start now and Kenny Pickett was drafted to be the future. This preseason did nothing to change that as both players had a good camp and preseason but Trubisky did nothing to lose the job while Pickett didn’t do anything mind-blowing to come and take the job, either.
Trubisky has experience as a starter in the league and has the qualities Matt Canada was said to want in his quarterback to run the offense he wants to call. Coupled with his good preseason work, this was the logical choice.
The offensive line is set after Kevin Dotson wins the left guard job
The Steelers starting five offensive linemen are now set to begin the year. After Kevin Dotson won the job, the line is now, left to right: Dan Moore, Kevin Dotson, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chuks Okorafor.
Much to fans’ dismay, there were no major tweaks to the line like signing an available free agent or making a splash trade. Either of those options had a very tough path to ever coming to fruition.
The starting quarterback decision almost becomes a moot point when you look at the construction of this offensive line. If preseason was any indication, it may be a long year for the guys in the trenches and this offense.
Devin Bush wins Steelers starting linebacker spot next to Myles Jack
The depth chart for week one revealed yet another position battle winner. Bush won the starting spot over Robert Spillane to start the year.
Bush has been the subject of discussion for Steelers fans ever since his injury in 2020 that ended his second season early. He has never quite recaptured the burst and playmaking ability he had as a rookie and early in 2020.
Bush must use this opportunity to show the Steelers are right in giving him the spot to begin the season. The defense, and possibly his career as a Steeler, depend on it.
Diontae Johnson could be in danger of missing Week 1
The Steelers escaped the preseason mostly unharmed. However, a shoulder injury suffered in the game against Detroit could spell trouble for Diontae Johnson.
In his Tuesday press conference, Mike Tomlin indicated “participation would be our guide” in reference to Johnson’s availability, per Pro Football Talk. This is particularly alarming due to Tomlin already stating he expects Alex Highsmith to be a go on Sunday.
Johnson missing the first game of the season would be devastating to the offense. Any time a team loses its leading receiver from the previous year, the offense takes a hit.
It is time for all the camp and preseason work to pay off. Week 1 is officially upon us and the Steelers will soon take the field in Cincinnati for their first test of the 2022 season!