The Steelers are getting set to play their first preseason game of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We know from experience that this is the time of year when the bold predictions start flooding in. While some media outlets really set the bar high for what Pittsburgh might achieve in 2023, others are taking a more realistic approach.
Recently, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus made his bold predictions for each team in the AFC North for the upcoming season. These included Kenny Pickett tripling his passing touchdowns from his rookie season, Pittsburgh's offensive line ranking in the top 10 by the end of the season, and the Steelers making the playoffs.
All three of these things are far from guaranteed to happen by the end of the year, but they are predictions that are fairly attainable. Tripling a quarterback's touchdown over the course of a season seems like an impossible feat, but Pickett only had 7 passing touchdowns in 13 games. Recording 21 touchdowns is higher than where his over/under is set this, but this is definitely a possibility.
The offensive line prediction might be a bit more challenging. As a unit, the Steelers were the 30th-ranked OL early in the season, per PFF. Remarkably, they were able to finish 12th in the league last year. Much of this had to do with staying healthy and the fact that Pittsburgh had an easier schedule down the stretch.
With Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones now on board, it's safe to assume that ranking as a top-10 unit is at least within reach. This is another goal Pittsburgh could potentially hit this year.
As far as making the playoffs goes, this is anybody's guess. The Steelers scratched and clawed their way back into the discussion last year -- finishing 7-2 since the bye week. However, a 9-8 record ultimately wasn't enough to make the tournament. This year could be different, but it's worth noting that they are still in a very crowded AFC North and they have a tough slate of games down the stretch this year.
Which Steelers prediction is the most attainable?
Of the three predictions Pro Football Focus set for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, Kenny Pickett's touchdown passes are likely the most attainable. Jumping from 7 TDs to 21 is a sizeable leap, but we have seen crazier things happen from second-year quarterbacks.
It's worth noting that Pickett rushed in three scores in his 13 games last year. It's also worth noting that Pickett wasn't thrown to the wolves until halftime of Week 4 against the New York Jets, and he also missed time in concussion protocol.
Assuming he can stay healthy for a 17-game season, I would expect Pickett's touchdown numbers to come in very near the 20+ range. Depending on how much improvement he shows, Pickett could make this 'bold' prediction look easy.