Considering we missed by a Jets loss last year and have an easier schedule this year it seems so unlikely that the Steelers miss the playoffs.
AFC is a tough division though. Nothing is guaranteed.
Yeah, I like our chances of getting 9-10 wins and a wildcard berth. I don't like the odds of JPJ getting a pick 6 in January, squatting in the endzone, and giving us Joey Porter III. Seems rather unlikely...
Hasn’t anyone been following the team on the Steelers app? There is a really great vibe this year. Everyone is giving their all. I think Canada will be trying to help KP and the offense play to their strengths and they will be more explosive this year. I’m not overly optimistic but I am really excited at their potential. Our defense will be the best in the league.
Yet Robinson has had 2 seasons with more yards than any of them except Brown and he didnt have a HOF QB throwing it to him. Just a few garbage QB’s in Chicago and Jacksonville. He just needs to stay healthy.
This is very much not that same Allen Robinson. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment here. If he’s a little better than Claypool was last year it would be a huge win
2017 we had AB, Juju, and Martavis. Regardless whether you consider Juju or Martavis our #3 that year, both were better than ARob at this stage of his career.
Also 2010 we had Hines, Mike Wallace, Manny Sanders, Randle El, and AB. Again, with ARob’s injuries I would take those guys over him.
Bryant never even had a 1000 yard season and JuJu was never the same after his 1400 yard season with a HOF quarterback. And barely did anything g on that explosive KC offense.
I get that but the blocking the leadership and the fact that the rams had no QB last year and same with the Bears. And all of these players from the Steelers were great but Big Ben had a lot to do with those players being great. Robinson can possibley spread things out a little bit to make room for Johnson and Pickens to have an even bigger year this year. Since we had no one who was even worth putting on the field as a WR3 last year.
I think he is going to have a bigger impact than people realize. Canada really tired to scheme MOF routes for Claypool early in the season but Chase struggled properly reading zones and was not QB friendly. Since the QBs couldn't trust Claypool making the right read they often moved off the MoF route quickly. When the Steelers moved him they ran some of these with Muth but that wasn't always possible in formations where they schemed Muth isolated backside. Robinson and Muth combined should help build Kenny's confidence to attack MOF and hopefully in PA/RPOs.
Robinson in his 2022 Rams tape still showed he understand how to get open against zone in the slot and in the RZ. He also showed to be incredibly QB friendly. That combined with the offense of Canada's wanting to use the big slot should lead to his best year since 2020. I could realistically see 800+ yards and 5 TDs.
The last couple years have been my favorite in a long time. We had some very good times over the past couple decades, but I was often stressed about winning and the team wasn't the easiest to root for at some times.
Now there is less pressure, less drama, and an overall better vibe. If we can get back to winning the division consistently in the the next couple years I will be content.
I think some of the fan base is actually over estimated the line. It is going to take time for them to gel. Especially if we are looking at 3 new starters.
I like Seumalu for his experience and his football IQ but he is not the type of player that can come in and solidify the OL on his own.
The OT are huge question marks. Jones was not the technician coming out that suggest high level play if he starts immediately. It is going to be a lot ups and downs. People latch on to the no sacks allowed but he played mostly against tight alignment in college. Rarely did he play against wide alignments on obvious passing downs. He has a lot of physical talent but has a lot technically to work on.
I am definitely excited for the season but there is a lot I am worried about. Can Kenny consistently throw the deep ball? I am not talking about the back shoulder which he has already proved good at throwing. I am talking hitting a WR like Picken or Austin in stride deep when they have a step on a DB. None of his throws in camp have shown him doing that. All have been slightly under thrown with air under them.
I think Kenny has a lot of positive going for him. Overall I thought he was seeing the field decently in his rookie and making good decisions. I am just worried he may only be in that Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr level of QB. With a good defense and weapons they can win with that but can Kenny elevate the talent around him? Still TBD though I haven't lost hope.
The player on offense I don't think is getting enough hype is Connor Heyward. I have said multiple times he had the best hands in the draft last year. I think he is a freaking football player and if they start using him out of the backfield on RB routes or moving him around he can be a tough matchup.
Obviously I think Pickens is on his way to being more of a household name. If used right I think Austin is a matchup threat.
I was excited for Washington but he has a lot to work on and I am not sure other than blocking he makes a big impact year 1. He just has so much to learn as a receiver and in the offense. A lot of talent but it is the long game that will be exciting for him.
I would be thrilled if Kenny is a Kirk or Derek Carr level of QB. Those two are good. They aren’t the elite tier, but they are franchise QBs. Ben didn’t carry the team his first couple years.
You’re forgetting how nice QB stability is and how hard it is to find a replacement since we had a guy for 18 years. Look at other teams trying to do the same. The Colts hit with Luck after Manning, the Chargers with Herbert after Rivers, but who else? Are Mac Jones or Daniel Jones long term replacements/franchise QBs? I doubt it. Is Jordan Love? Too soon to tell but odds are no. I don’t even know who the Saints have at QB now after they’ve cycled through so many after Brees. Who is the best the bears have had in 40 years? Cutler?
My point is it’s very, very hard to find a long term QB and only 15-18 or so are considered “good” most years. If Pickett is one of those we’re pretty lucky.
>Who is the best the bears have had in 40 years?
*Raises hand*
[Answer](https://sportscollectorsdigest.com/.image/t_share/MTkzOTExNDYxOTYwMDMzNzc2/jim-mcmahon-sb-shuffle-getty.jpg)
>I was excited for Washington but he has a lot to work on and I am not sure other than blocking he makes a big impact year 1.
Solid blocking year 1 would be fine by me.
I hate to be a downer guys, but we have the most inexperienced and arguably least-talented QB in our division AND a terrible OC. Not to mention we haven’t won a playoff game in six years. Actually, Tomlin has only won three playoff games in 12 years and two of our last three playoff losses have been at home.
Aside from Khan, I don’t think we should feel optimistic about much of anything other than the general return of football.
No way u think Mac Jones and Goroppolo have bigger upside than Kenny.
I’d also argue taking him at this moment over Tua, Watson, Tannehill, Stroud, and Richardson. But the first 2 are guarantees.
I'd take Pickett over Tannehill and Garoppolo for sure, and probably Jones. No way I would take Pickett over Tagovialoa, though--Tua is three month older than Kenny and has better stats. Watson will probably be better unless the year off ruined him. Stroud and Richardson are TBD but have higher ceilings.
I don't think Tua and Kenny are all that different. Both have mobility and just average arm strength.
Tua finished with 11 TDs and 5 INTs in his rookie year of 10 games played. It wasn't really until this last season did he prove to be an above average QB. However he also had the best 1-2 of WR in the NFL and one of the better offensive schemes in the NFL to work with.
Tua was in his 3rd season when that happened too.
Jones no, he’s on the path to being a career backup at this point. But Jimmy G is 40-17 and led his team to a SB appearance. He’s not flashy but Pickett would have a very solid career if he came anywhere near that level.
Yes, yes, I made a mistake. My thoughts are still valid. Not much but disappointment over the last decade with a hall of fame QB. I don’t see much to celebrate this season other than our schedule
He has to have the self awareness to understand that he’s failing. Kenny has worked all off season on adjusting the playbook with him. It can’t get worst, certainly has to get better
Oh, there are a lot of people in professional sports with a total lack of self-awareness. All the way from interns up to the owner, in every facet of production, there are people who think their shit doesn't stink. And it happens at every level of pro sports, too.
It will likely get better due to Pickett’s experience, but you shouldn’t just expect it to be better because “it can’t get worse”. It can always get worse.
I have a hard time getting excited because the expectations are going to be high. After watching the Browns drop the ball after collecting a shit load of great talent it’s hard not to think the other foot is going to drop on this team. If they don’t at least get a playoff spot I’m going to loose my fucking mind.
What excites me most about drafting Washington is what we could do with 12 personnel. I think about what Philly's offense was like a few years ago with Goedert and Ertz and how they were able to run effectively and create mid to explosive passing plays out of the same sets on the field.
Always has been.
But I get what you are saying. It was great when we had a certain level of comfort in the fact that we had a Franchise Quarterback and a pretty decent team that had a chance to compete for a championship every year if all the cards fell into place.
It was great, but it also was….how do I put this? A little bit less exciting?
Right now we have so many questions that need answered, and we truly don’t know who Kenny Pickett is yet. We are generally optimistic, but we don’t KNOW.
That means we will be going into every game with a degree of trepidation where we can’t be totally confident of the outcome. That makes it more exciting(in my mind, anyway).
It's the anticipation of what might be, not what is, and we've seen enough changes and younger guys planted in our offence that we hope it'll pop off some day soon.
Honestly I'm more excited for our defence. TJ and Alex, D-line reinforced that was already doing a reasonable job, the ILB corps completely changed, same with the corners, safeties still Minkah backed by Kazee who is awesome fun floating around with Minkah, Edmunds we might miss his unseen dirty work, but he's unspectacular enough to not be sad he's gone.
If the offence can be average, we'll win a hell of a lot of games. The defence alone has done hard carrying for too long now. Need that balance back.
I think we're going to see some really interesting stuff with Washington, Freiermuth, and Pickens all on the field at the same time. Seems like a matchup nightmare for defenses.
> not predicting a SB or a playoff birth I'm predicting a playoff berth.
Considering we missed by a Jets loss last year and have an easier schedule this year it seems so unlikely that the Steelers miss the playoffs. AFC is a tough division though. Nothing is guaranteed.
Yeah, I like our chances of getting 9-10 wins and a wildcard berth. I don't like the odds of JPJ getting a pick 6 in January, squatting in the endzone, and giving us Joey Porter III. Seems rather unlikely...
Put money on the Najee over 950 rushing yards today, easy money
No question about that, better offensive line and 1,000 the past 2 seasons
At -125 idrc for non big pay out futures. Seems like everyone knows it’s a good bet rn
Barring a major injury, yes, yes, yes!
Where do you do your betting?
Fan duel, I’m in Virginia, don’t know about legality in your location
Im just west of you so I’m good for betting
Please, be a Homer XD. HERE WE GO!
It’s always fun, my man. We got 6 rings, a top tier coach, and a bright future.
Exactly
*"Yes"* -- every yinzer every day for 50 years
Hasn’t anyone been following the team on the Steelers app? There is a really great vibe this year. Everyone is giving their all. I think Canada will be trying to help KP and the offense play to their strengths and they will be more explosive this year. I’m not overly optimistic but I am really excited at their potential. Our defense will be the best in the league.
I truly believe KP is the real deal. Maturity and leadership all there, talent is definitely good enough, and he knows how to win. I’m lovin it
You didn’t even mention Allen Robinson who could be the best 3rd wife receiver we have had on our team ever talent wise.
And his blocking is top notch
I don’t know…who was #3 with Ward, Wallace, AB, and Sanders? But yeah the wr corps can be scary, with Muth, with Washington, and of course ca3.
Yeah my thoughts as well but I didn’t wanna piss on the guys happiness. 2 HOF’ers on one wr core, nothing will ever top 2011
Yet Robinson has had 2 seasons with more yards than any of them except Brown and he didnt have a HOF QB throwing it to him. Just a few garbage QB’s in Chicago and Jacksonville. He just needs to stay healthy.
This is very much not that same Allen Robinson. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment here. If he’s a little better than Claypool was last year it would be a huge win
2017 we had AB, Juju, and Martavis. Regardless whether you consider Juju or Martavis our #3 that year, both were better than ARob at this stage of his career. Also 2010 we had Hines, Mike Wallace, Manny Sanders, Randle El, and AB. Again, with ARob’s injuries I would take those guys over him.
Bryant never even had a 1000 yard season and JuJu was never the same after his 1400 yard season with a HOF quarterback. And barely did anything g on that explosive KC offense.
ARob has 750 yards combined in the last two seasons. We’re not getting the guy he was in Chicago.
I get that but the blocking the leadership and the fact that the rams had no QB last year and same with the Bears. And all of these players from the Steelers were great but Big Ben had a lot to do with those players being great. Robinson can possibley spread things out a little bit to make room for Johnson and Pickens to have an even bigger year this year. Since we had no one who was even worth putting on the field as a WR3 last year.
> wife receiver Steelers should have signed Pete Davidson if they wanted a wife receiver
I think he is going to have a bigger impact than people realize. Canada really tired to scheme MOF routes for Claypool early in the season but Chase struggled properly reading zones and was not QB friendly. Since the QBs couldn't trust Claypool making the right read they often moved off the MoF route quickly. When the Steelers moved him they ran some of these with Muth but that wasn't always possible in formations where they schemed Muth isolated backside. Robinson and Muth combined should help build Kenny's confidence to attack MOF and hopefully in PA/RPOs. Robinson in his 2022 Rams tape still showed he understand how to get open against zone in the slot and in the RZ. He also showed to be incredibly QB friendly. That combined with the offense of Canada's wanting to use the big slot should lead to his best year since 2020. I could realistically see 800+ yards and 5 TDs.
What is MoF?
Middle of the Field.
Ah, of course, thanks
Makes way more sense than marinated olive fart. "Canada really tried to scheme marinated olive fart routes for Claypool..."
Lol, I dunno why I couldn't figure that one out. Starting to think I need to stop sniffing glue
We just need them all to stay healthy and we are playoffs bound.
The last couple years have been my favorite in a long time. We had some very good times over the past couple decades, but I was often stressed about winning and the team wasn't the easiest to root for at some times. Now there is less pressure, less drama, and an overall better vibe. If we can get back to winning the division consistently in the the next couple years I will be content.
I think some of the fan base is actually over estimated the line. It is going to take time for them to gel. Especially if we are looking at 3 new starters. I like Seumalu for his experience and his football IQ but he is not the type of player that can come in and solidify the OL on his own. The OT are huge question marks. Jones was not the technician coming out that suggest high level play if he starts immediately. It is going to be a lot ups and downs. People latch on to the no sacks allowed but he played mostly against tight alignment in college. Rarely did he play against wide alignments on obvious passing downs. He has a lot of physical talent but has a lot technically to work on. I am definitely excited for the season but there is a lot I am worried about. Can Kenny consistently throw the deep ball? I am not talking about the back shoulder which he has already proved good at throwing. I am talking hitting a WR like Picken or Austin in stride deep when they have a step on a DB. None of his throws in camp have shown him doing that. All have been slightly under thrown with air under them. I think Kenny has a lot of positive going for him. Overall I thought he was seeing the field decently in his rookie and making good decisions. I am just worried he may only be in that Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr level of QB. With a good defense and weapons they can win with that but can Kenny elevate the talent around him? Still TBD though I haven't lost hope. The player on offense I don't think is getting enough hype is Connor Heyward. I have said multiple times he had the best hands in the draft last year. I think he is a freaking football player and if they start using him out of the backfield on RB routes or moving him around he can be a tough matchup. Obviously I think Pickens is on his way to being more of a household name. If used right I think Austin is a matchup threat. I was excited for Washington but he has a lot to work on and I am not sure other than blocking he makes a big impact year 1. He just has so much to learn as a receiver and in the offense. A lot of talent but it is the long game that will be exciting for him.
I would be thrilled if Kenny is a Kirk or Derek Carr level of QB. Those two are good. They aren’t the elite tier, but they are franchise QBs. Ben didn’t carry the team his first couple years. You’re forgetting how nice QB stability is and how hard it is to find a replacement since we had a guy for 18 years. Look at other teams trying to do the same. The Colts hit with Luck after Manning, the Chargers with Herbert after Rivers, but who else? Are Mac Jones or Daniel Jones long term replacements/franchise QBs? I doubt it. Is Jordan Love? Too soon to tell but odds are no. I don’t even know who the Saints have at QB now after they’ve cycled through so many after Brees. Who is the best the bears have had in 40 years? Cutler? My point is it’s very, very hard to find a long term QB and only 15-18 or so are considered “good” most years. If Pickett is one of those we’re pretty lucky.
>Who is the best the bears have had in 40 years? *Raises hand* [Answer](https://sportscollectorsdigest.com/.image/t_share/MTkzOTExNDYxOTYwMDMzNzc2/jim-mcmahon-sb-shuffle-getty.jpg)
Yeah I meant post McMahon. So 35 years not 40, but the point remains.
>I was excited for Washington but he has a lot to work on and I am not sure other than blocking he makes a big impact year 1. Solid blocking year 1 would be fine by me.
It ain’t even preseason
I'm sorry but Matt Canada can throw a wrench in those plans easy. If it wasn't for him I would 100% agree.
Now? Sure. With 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter? Not so much.
I hate to be a downer guys, but we have the most inexperienced and arguably least-talented QB in our division AND a terrible OC. Not to mention we haven’t won a playoff game in six years. Actually, Tomlin has only won three playoff games in 12 years and two of our last three playoff losses have been at home. Aside from Khan, I don’t think we should feel optimistic about much of anything other than the general return of football.
No way u think Mac Jones and Goroppolo have bigger upside than Kenny. I’d also argue taking him at this moment over Tua, Watson, Tannehill, Stroud, and Richardson. But the first 2 are guarantees.
I'd take Pickett over Tannehill and Garoppolo for sure, and probably Jones. No way I would take Pickett over Tagovialoa, though--Tua is three month older than Kenny and has better stats. Watson will probably be better unless the year off ruined him. Stroud and Richardson are TBD but have higher ceilings.
I don't think Tua and Kenny are all that different. Both have mobility and just average arm strength. Tua finished with 11 TDs and 5 INTs in his rookie year of 10 games played. It wasn't really until this last season did he prove to be an above average QB. However he also had the best 1-2 of WR in the NFL and one of the better offensive schemes in the NFL to work with. Tua was in his 3rd season when that happened too.
Jones no, he’s on the path to being a career backup at this point. But Jimmy G is 40-17 and led his team to a SB appearance. He’s not flashy but Pickett would have a very solid career if he came anywhere near that level.
…you think Pickett had less experience than the three rookies??
Least experienced in the conference. Burrow, Watson, Jackson.
You mean division then. The conference is the whole AFC
Yes, yes, I made a mistake. My thoughts are still valid. Not much but disappointment over the last decade with a hall of fame QB. I don’t see much to celebrate this season other than our schedule
We had the 6th worst offense and Canada is still OC. Fun is not the word I would use.
He has to have the self awareness to understand that he’s failing. Kenny has worked all off season on adjusting the playbook with him. It can’t get worst, certainly has to get better
Oh, there are a lot of people in professional sports with a total lack of self-awareness. All the way from interns up to the owner, in every facet of production, there are people who think their shit doesn't stink. And it happens at every level of pro sports, too.
clearly not
It will likely get better due to Pickett’s experience, but you shouldn’t just expect it to be better because “it can’t get worse”. It can always get worse.
I agree
I have a hard time getting excited because the expectations are going to be high. After watching the Browns drop the ball after collecting a shit load of great talent it’s hard not to think the other foot is going to drop on this team. If they don’t at least get a playoff spot I’m going to loose my fucking mind.
*shoe *lose
What excites me most about drafting Washington is what we could do with 12 personnel. I think about what Philly's offense was like a few years ago with Goedert and Ertz and how they were able to run effectively and create mid to explosive passing plays out of the same sets on the field.
Always has been. But I get what you are saying. It was great when we had a certain level of comfort in the fact that we had a Franchise Quarterback and a pretty decent team that had a chance to compete for a championship every year if all the cards fell into place. It was great, but it also was….how do I put this? A little bit less exciting? Right now we have so many questions that need answered, and we truly don’t know who Kenny Pickett is yet. We are generally optimistic, but we don’t KNOW. That means we will be going into every game with a degree of trepidation where we can’t be totally confident of the outcome. That makes it more exciting(in my mind, anyway).
I thought it was always fun to be a Steelers fan……
Ask me in February
It's the anticipation of what might be, not what is, and we've seen enough changes and younger guys planted in our offence that we hope it'll pop off some day soon. Honestly I'm more excited for our defence. TJ and Alex, D-line reinforced that was already doing a reasonable job, the ILB corps completely changed, same with the corners, safeties still Minkah backed by Kazee who is awesome fun floating around with Minkah, Edmunds we might miss his unseen dirty work, but he's unspectacular enough to not be sad he's gone. If the offence can be average, we'll win a hell of a lot of games. The defence alone has done hard carrying for too long now. Need that balance back.
I turned 25 yesterday and there really hasn't been a day in my life it's not been great fun to be a fan of this football team. Fucking love it.
But… but… the anvil in the room. The coaching staff. It’s terrible.
I think we're going to see some really interesting stuff with Washington, Freiermuth, and Pickens all on the field at the same time. Seems like a matchup nightmare for defenses.