NFL
By: Melo Williams
The Steelers made a run for the playoffs after starting the season slow and sluggish. Due to the slow start, the Steelers had to play almost perfect football to make the playoffs. Though the Steelers fell short of their playoffs goals, Pittsburgh still managed to finish with a winning record of 9-8.
The first half of the Steelers 2022-2023 season will be defined by Mike Tomlin choosing to start the season with veteran QB Mitch Trubisky over rookie Kenny Pickett, offensive coordinator Matt Canada being inadequate to make good play calls, no run game due to RB Najee Harris healing from offseason surgery, a defense riddled with injuries starting in Week 1 when Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt tore his pectoral muscle in a win over division rival Cincinnati Bengals.
We can’t forget the failed questionable 4th and 1 play calls in the red zone by Mike Tomlin electing to attempt to convert the 4th downs instead of kicking the field goal which resulted in leaving points on the board and the Steelers losing by 3 or 6 or changed the momentum in the game.
The second half of the Pittsburgh season was the complete opposite of the first half. T.J. Watt returned from the pec injury, Kenny Pickett was starting at QB, Najee Harris’s foot healed as he got back to his dominance, Matt Canada play calling remained the same, Chase Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears and Mike Tomlin was managing and leading his team through adversity while facing the challenge of avoiding having his first losing season in 16 years as head coach of the Steelers.
At the end of it, all the Steelers failed to make the 2023 playoffs but finished out the season strong going 7-2 since their bye week.
Pittsburgh handled their business in the season finale to make the playoffs and almost got all of the help needed to make the playoffs. Steelers beat the Browns 28-14, the Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots, but the Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets to clinch the 7th seed in the AFC ending the Steelers’ season.
Mike Tomlin told reporters when asked if he thought about the offseason before the game against Cleveland, “You know, it comes to a screeching halt. This off-season thing, I don’t know that I’ve pondered that. I was preparing for the potential of next week.”
T.J. Watt: “We could’ve gave up, but a lot of guys really looked inside and stuck it out for each other. And for that, I’m very proud of this group.” “It all happens very fast.” “I mean, it’s hard to fully understand that we don’t have a game this week and I think it’ll take a little bit of time to kind of understand and come to terms with it. Because I feel like we were just starting to play some damn really good football.”
Kenny Pickett can feel responsible for the Steelers not making the playoffs. In week 7 vs the Miami Dolphins, Pickett threw three INTs. 2 of the 3 were on back-to-back drives which could’ve resulted in scores for Pittsburgh.
If the Steelers beat Miami they would’ve made the playoffs. Overall it was a good learning example for Pickett on the importance of protecting the ball and how important it is to win every game. 18 weeks is a long season but every week is short and matters.
Kenny Pickett was asked what would it have meant to him if the Steelers made the playoffs and gained playoff experience he said, “I don’t even think it’s just about my learning curve. I think it’s about playing for a championship. That’s what it’s about.” “So we would’ve had an opportunity if we had that chance. When you don’t take care of your own business, you don’t control your own destiny. So that’s just what happened.”
Though Kenny Pickett struggled early on with moving the offense downfield and taking care of the ball, Pickett showed flashes of what could become of him, growth, and poise during his rookie season.
One thing for certain looking ahead to next season is the Kenny Pickett to George Pickens combination. Not only next season but in seasons to come.
Kenny Pickett when targeting George Pickens in 2022:
38 of 58 (65.5%) for 555 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. 119.5 passer rating.
The Kenny Pickett to George Pickens connection produced a league-high 139.7 passer rating (min. 50 targets).
The highest rating between a rookie QB-WR duo in NFL history.
The Chase Claypool trade was a win for the Steelers when it comes to draft order. Pittsburgh traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That’s usually the last pick in the first round, but there are only 31 picks this year with Miami being stripped of their pick.
Essentially the Steelers got a late first for Claypool. The Steelers have the 17th, 32nd, 49th, and 80th picks in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The future is bright in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have an upcoming young offensive line, a QB who showed promise, an RB who is one of the best in the league when healthy, a young dynamic receivers duo, and a skilled TE, with Mike Tomlin as the coach.
While Pittsburgh finished the season on a high note without making the playoffs, there’s optimism in Steelers Nation that the standard will remain the standard without Big Ben going forward. Mike Tomlin should feel proud that his team led by the veterans showed resiliency throughout the season.
Black and Gold will be back and ready to go next season. #HereWeGo
Follow Melo on Twitter/Instagram at @_MeloWilliams
