Opinions are weird. Last season, the sports show talking heads all lamented the lack of production from the Steelers QB play and the offensive game plan. That criticism was warranted, despite the 6-3 record before the removal of the OC. Then this offseason, those talking heads all pounded the table saying the team must go out and get either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields if the team wanted a chance to do more than be a one-and-done wildcard playoff team.

As we know, the Steelers did more than just the “or” option and managed to add both quarterbacks to their roster. I expected those talking heads to explode in praise, but instead, many immediately started pounding the table saying “The Steelers can’t compete with the AFC North teams with these quarterbacks! Wilson is past his prime and Fields can’t turn his back in a play-action 12 personnel based offense that Arthur Smith wants to run!”

Did I miss something? The Steelers went 5-1 in the AFC North last year and have won four of their last five games against the Ravens. That was with record low QB production and the grade school level coordinator running the show. I would think having an adult in the room designing the offensive game plan and the obvious upgrade at the QB position would have at least warranted a Dumb and Dumber “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!”

Some of the current under/over betting lines for the Steelers win total this year are set as low as 7.5, so even the bookmakers aren’t buying into the changes. Far be it from me to give anyone betting advice, as I’ve only laid down my hard earned money once in my life on a sports bet. However, that was taking the over on 8.5 last year, and that won me 250 big ones. If I were to repeat that wager again, I’m definitely taking the over on 7.5, or even the other lines set at 8.5 again.

It does seem a bit presumptuous to be predicting win totals before the draft and the final roster is set, as we really don’t know what any team will look like until then. I’m also hearing the Steelers have the hardest schedule this upcoming season. Of course, that’s all based on what has been done, and not what will be. Besides the AFC North teams, Pittsburgh gets to host the Cowboys, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, and the Jets with their so-called new uniforms that look exactly the same to me. They get to visit the Falcons, Broncos, Colts, Raiders, Eagles, and Commanders. I think the three game losing streak last year against the “weakest” part of the schedule is a teaching moment that no game is truly predictable, but only the Chiefs and Eagles look scary on paper. I could see twelve wins there with a bit of luck and the plan coming together. Call me crazy, or too much of an optimist, but hey, this is the time of year when hopes can and should run fast and free.

Yes, there are holes to fill and some position groups like the defensive line are thin. An injury to Heyward or Ogunjobi and any one of us might be getting a call asking about our measurables. Khan went into the draft last year with all the needs at least covered by free agency, and that is not the case this time. The odds of getting a sweetheart trade deal with a team wanting to stop a division rival from getting a player probably won’t happen again like it did with the Patriots last year. Khan might have to work harder and give up more if the team is to get exactly who they want in the first three rounds. All that being said, things would have to take a hard sideways turn to not be better on offense this year, and that will relieve the incredible pressure the defense has been under for several seasons. I’m excited to see it, and I’m taking the over all day long.