2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 10-7, Loss in AFC Wild Card Round at Buffalo Bills (31-17)

It was a season full of ups and downs for the Pittsburgh Steelers but Mike Tomlin continued to keep the team above .500. Pittsburgh built a 6-3 record following a win over the Green Bay Packers but went onto lose four of the next five and did not score 20 points in any game. At 7-7, the Steelers ended the year with three straight wins to secure a playoff spot.

2024 Pittsburgh Steelers Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, RB Cordarrelle Paterson, WR Van Jefferson, WR Quez Watkins, OT Troy Fautanu, C Zach Frazier

Key Losses: QB Kenny Pickett, WR Diontae Johnson, C Mason Cole

One thing we know about the Steelers is that they are one of the most competent franchises in the league. That showed once again as the front office moved on from Kenny Pickett after a failed stretch. There is no doubt that the team was aggressive in replacing Pickett under center but who will be the savior?

Pittsburgh quickly went out and acquired Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos. Wilson struggled mightily in Denver but this move was a no-brainer since the Broncos retained his salary for this season. The next move was to trade a late-round pick for Justin Fields. He had his chance in Chicago but with the Bears having the first-overall pick in April, Fields time was over.

Improving the quarterback position was step one for Pittsburgh. Step two — the offensive line.

The Steelers used their first-round pick on Washington tackle Troy Fautanu. In the second round, Pittsburgh added center Zach Frazier. Both linemen are expected to make an impact right away. The Steelers went out to add veterans Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels as well.

The final piece could be coming soon. It all depends on if the San Francisco 49ers decide to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team lost Diontae Johnson this offseason, leaving the group a bit thin outside of George Pickens.

Defense

Key Additions: LB Patrick Queen, DT Dean Lowry, CB Donte Jackson, S DeShon Elliott, LB Payton Wilson

Key Losses: S Patrick Peterson, S Keanu Neal, LB Kwon Alexander, LB Blake Martinez, OLB Markus Golden, DT Armon Watts, CB Levi Wallace, CB James Pierre

There is no denying the important of TJ Watt. The Steelers went 8-2 when Watt was on the field in 2023. He finished with 19 sacks but aside from that, the Steelers struggled to get to the quarterback, which is not something we are used to saying.

Pittsburgh improved in the middle of the defense by adding linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency. The Steelers improved at the position while taking Queen from a division foe in the Baltimore Ravens. It will be another tough group of linebackers in Pittsburgh as Queen joins Elandon Roberts.

The draft picks for the Steelers are going to be interesting this season. We mentioned the additions along the offensive line but there are some defensively as well. Linebacker Payton Wilson will make a case for playing time, if healthy. Along the defensive line, fourth-round pick Nick Gerbig will provide depth next to Alex Highsmith and Cameron Heyward.

In the secondary, the Steelers acquired corner Donte Jackson from Carolina to slot across Joey Porter Jr. Safety DeShon Elliott will also step into a starting role. The Steelers struggled at corner last year outside of their outstanding rookie.

Schedule

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: at Denver Broncos

Week 3: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 4: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 5: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week 8: vs. New York Giants – Monday Night Football

Week 9: BYE WEEK

Week 10: at Washington Commanders

Week 11: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 12: at Cleveland Browns – Thursday Night Football

Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 18: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Record Prediction: