Steelers rumors: Former Ravens player predicts Pittsburgh will miss playoffs
Even after a rough 2-6 start to the 2022 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly missed out on a playoff spot after finishing the year 9-8. This offseason, general manager Omar Khan made additions across both sides of the line of scrimmage that has some believing that the team can make a push for the playoffs, even in the tough AFC North division.
Well, one former player for Pittsburgh's biggest rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, doesn't think it's going to happen.
During an appearance on ESPN this past week, former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott said that he thinks the Steelers are going to miss the playoffs because "the weak link will be their quarterback."
By "their quarterback," Scott means Kenny Pickett, their 2022 first-round pick that showed promise late last season. While Pickett did deal with the usual rookie struggles, he did have some late-season, game-winning drives against the Las Vegas Raiders, and Scott's Ravens.
This offseason, the Steelers gave Pickett a new wide receiver to target alongside George Pickens and Diontae Johnson in Allen Robinson, and some new offensive linemen in guard Isaac Seumalo and rookie tackle Broderick Jones. So far in the preseason, Pickett has been very impressive. Sure, it's the preseason, but it's hard not to be excited about Pickett's potential.
Facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 11, Pickett completed six-of-seven targets for 70 yards and a touchdown to Pickens. Then this past Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, Pickett played two drives, completing three-of-four attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown to tight end Pat Freiermuth.
It was a strong preseason for Pickett thus far, and he has the chance to silence his critics if this play is to carry over into the regular season.
Steelers Rumors: NFL Network urges Mike Tomlin to let OC Matt Canada 'cook'
While the Pittsburgh Steelers did finish the 2022 season with a winning record, the offense was much criticized. They ranked 23rd in total offense (322.6 yards per game), 24th in passing offense (200.6 yards per game), and 26th in scoring offense (18.1 points per game). With the team's inability to put up points, Steelers fans turned their attention to offensive coordinator Matt Canada and pointed in the direction of the exit.
This preseason, the Steelers offense showed hints of being explosive with quarterback Kenny Pickett throwing to George Pickens, and even Calvin Austin III catching a deep pass from Mason Rudolph. Could we see this kind of offense throughout the regular season?
During Monday's edition of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," reporter Mike Garafolo urged head coach Mike Tomlin, who prefers a run-first offense, to let Canada "cook."
"This is a team that prides itself on running the football and playing good defense … what they need to do is let Matt Canada cook! And Kenny Pickett? Yes he can. We're seeing it in the preseason right now. They have got to open up this offense. Canada came from college, and he was gonna come with all these newfangled ideas and these motions. I feel like he's kinda been constrained to do things the way the Steelers want," Garafolo said, h/t Steelers Depot.
If last season proved anything, it's that the Steelers needed to put up more points. If they had, they may have added some extra wins and made it into the playoffs. The talent is certainly there, especially with wide receiver George Pickens' play-making ability.
Will letting Canada "cook" help out the Steelers this season? We'll have to find out if he can do so.
Steelers Rumors: Ben Roethlisberger kicks off coaching career
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round after the 2021 season, in a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Shortly after the playoff elimination, Roethlisberger announced that he was hanging up his cleats for good, ending his NFL career after 18 seasons. Since then, Roethlisberger has begun his podcast, "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger," where he's interviewed former teammates and current players like Kenny Pickett.
Now, Roethlisberger is heading into coaching. No, not in the NFL or at the college level.
According to CBS Sports, Roethlisberger will be an assistant coach for the Fighting Quakers, a Quaker Valley youth football team for 9-and-10-year-olds.
This is a cool opportunity for those players, as they get to learn from a former two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most prolific starts in Pennsylvania professional sports.
In his 18 years with the Steelers, Roethlisberger leads the franchise with 64,088 passing yards, 418 passing touchdowns, 5,440 pass completions, and 8,433 pass attempts. Roethlisberger made it to the Pro Bowl six times in his career and was the Offensive Rookie of the Year for the 2004 season.
Roethlisberger, who has worn a headset during his time on the sidelines for the Steelers, will now be helping out the Fighting Quakers this upcoming season.
