The Steelers could create some noise in the NFL with some of these bold predictions becoming reality in the 2022 season.
The Steelers are not expected to contend much in the 2022 season. The schedule in front of them is not the toughest in the NFL, and that could lead to better results. This roster has question marks across it, but they could always figure out those answers as this train keeps moving towards the conclusion.
Many different scenarios could play out between now and when week 18 wraps up. Quarterback will be a remaining curiosity as each week passes by, especially when a bad performance occurs by their current starter. It will be a tough rollercoaster that will be hard to gauge until the results start to swing into reality.
Kenny Pickett will be the starting quarterback after the bye week
This prediction would make sense for Pittsburgh if things play out a certain way for the team. If Mitch Trubisky and the offense have an issue where they continuously sputter leading into the bye week, a change in the position could happen. Kenny Pickett could then come into the conversation to be the starter to finish the season for the Steelers.
That would seem to be a safe spot for the rookie signal caller to come into a starting role if this situation plays out. The following four games are tough matchups for the most part following the bye week, but it would give him an extra week to prepare. This would seem to make the most sense for the black and gold to make a change at quarterback, unless they lose a lot of games before then.
A Steelers player will win the Rookie of the Year award
There are some talented rookies entering the NFL that will wear the black and gold this year. Some of those could become top contenders to secure the Rookie of the Year award from the NFL once the season concludes. There are two favorites to win the honor already even though neither has played a snap in the regular season yet.
Kenny Pickett will get a lot of attention as his position as the quarterback is important in today’s game. He might not play much this year, so that could damper his chances going forward. George Pickens might be the most realistic option as he continues to impress in everything he does.
The offensive line will improve as the season progresses
The offensive line has almost become a repugnant phrase said in the Steel City since the prestigious iteration disbanded a couple of years ago. It used to be a strong point of the roster, but it has not gotten close to that since the rebuild starter to occur. Last year was ugly and it does not seem to be improving much in 2022.
The preseason was not a good display for the future of this offensive line. The Steelers refuse to invest in the trenches when the draft rolls around and they are paying for it now. They are under another offensive line coach, which could take time to learn from. This group is not going to wow anyone, but they should progress as the season pushes further along.
T.J. Watt will win the Defensive Player of the Year again
The defense will be counted on to carry this club, just like they did in 2021. The offense should be around the same level as last season, or a little better if things begin to click for them. T.J. Watt will be leaned on to help push his team into the playoffs for the second year in a row, which could lead to another award on his shelf.
Watt finally won the Defensive Player of the Year award after many seasons that should have resulted in winning the honor before that. He is a freak athlete that is currently on a Hall of Fame trajectory. Following up last year’s performance will be difficult, but if anyone is up to the challenge, it is him.
The Steelers will finish with a winning record this year
Most do not believe that the black and gold can make the playoffs or get to a winning record this season. Six of their games will be against a tough AFC North division, but some of the other matchups will be against some non-playoff caliber clubs. It will not be easy for the Steelers to get to a winning record in 2022, but it is not unattainable.
There are a bunch of different issues on this team and that will probably keep them out of the playoffs. They should be able to stay in that post-season conversation for a while but fizzle out of it in the last couple of weeks of the schedule. Getting to a 9-8 record is not out of the cards for this team where they currently stand.
The Steelers head into uncertainty as the 2022 season is about to commence for the club. This club cannot seek comfort and that will lead to these bold predictions becoming reality.