The Pittsburgh Steelers had their official 2023 schedule released on Thursday night, confirming the days and times for almost all of their 17 regular-season opponents.
Some might ask themselves what makes such an anticlimactic reveal so beloved by so many, but there is actually a lot to dig into when looking at the results. This is mainly due to just how different it can make certain teams look in regard to formidability.
Simply put, if a schedule is crafted just right, it can make some of the strongest names appear manageable at worst, while also making some of the weakest appear like wires destined to be tripped over. A potential impact of that severity leaves all football fans waiting eagerly for their teams’ slates to be announced every single year—and I am no exception.
Upon taking my first glance at the schedule, I noticed some teams placed in what I felt were relatively convenient spots, along with some others that left me feeling the exact opposite (no surprises there).
However, I was able to pick out two opponents in particular that I felt had their threat levels altered the greatest. On paper, one of them is rather challenging. The other? Not so much.
The scheduling process didn’t guarantee a difference in outcome for Pittsburgh’s meeting with either one, but it did throw the weights of those statements into question, and that was enough for me to decide that they needed some coverage of their own.
With all of that said, let’s take a look at two games that I feel have been changed the most by the Steelers schedule release.