The season is coming. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, you will be at the confluence of the three rivers at the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
In 2023, carried by its defense with TJ Watt (Edge) as its spearhead, the Steelers reached the playoffs, but stopped in the first round. Without flavor and with multiple tactical attempts, the 28th attack in the league did not allow the men of steel to see further.
Offensively, a page is turning for this new season. Will the 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers have enough weapons to have a chance in this still competitive AFC North?
Last season: 10 wins – 7 losses, 3rd in AFC North
Off-season moves
Notable Arrivals: Russell Wilson (QB), Patrick Queen (LB), Donte Jackson (CB), Justin Fields (QB), Van Jefferson (WR), Cameron Johnston (P), Cordarrelle Patterson (RB), Cameron Sutton (CB) , Arthur Smith (offensive coordinator), Kyle Allen (QB), DeShon Elliot (S)
Re-signings: Christian Kuntz (LS), Montravius Adams (DT), Miles Killebrew (DB),
Draft: Troy Fautanu (OT), Mason McCormick (OG), Zach Frazier (C), Logan Lee (DT), Ryan Watts (DB), Roman Wilson (WR), Payton Wilson (LB),
Notable losses: Kenny Pickett (QB), Mason Rudolph (QB), Mitchell Trubisky (QB), Diontae Johnson (WR), Mason Cole (C), Keanu Neal (SS), Patrick Peterson (CB), Allen Robinson (WR) , Mason Rudolph (WR), Kwon Alexander (MLB), Levi Wallace (DB),
The biggest moves are on the offensive end. First up is the addition of former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. It's a position he's already held with the Titans with more success than his time with the Falcons. He replaces Matt Canada who was the first fuse in the moribund 2023 offense.
At the main position, quarterback, the Steelers are starting from scratch with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Thanks to inexpensive trades, the franchise has chosen to stop the Kenny Pickett project.
At the receiving end, the departure of Diontae Johnson (WR) to the Panthers leaves a number one receiver spot for George Pickens. And if negotiations with the 49ers do not work out for Brandon Aiyuk, the receivers committee seems weaker. At the running end, the arrival of Cordarrelle Patterson adds to a group of runners that could weigh on opposing defenses.
Of course, to be able to perform, the structure of the attack will have to be able to rely on its line. And this sector was particularly targeted during the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' All-Star Team
Quarterback: Russell Wilson – Runner: Najee Harris – Receivers: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III – Tight-end: Pat Freiermuth – Offensive line: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu – Kicker: Chris Boswell
Defensive Line: Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward – Linebackers: TJ Watt, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Alex Highsmith – Cornerbacks: Donte Jackson, Joey Porter Jr., Beanie Bishop Jr. (NB) – Safeties: DeShon Elliott, Minkah Fitzpatrick – Punter: Cameron Johnston
The strong point(s) of the Pittsburgh Steelers
This may become a pleonasm in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers are equivalent to an iron defense. The inevitable TJ Watt is the cornerstone of this group. His presence on the field makes other players perform better. In 2024, he will once again be in the fight to be the best defender in the league and perhaps a new sack record.
Overall, the defense is more complete than last year. There were no notable losses this offseason. Cameron Heyward (DT), Minkah Fitzpatrick (S) and Alex Highsmith (LB) among others are still present. Arriving from Baltimore, Patrick Queen (ILB) comes to solidify the center of the field, a sector that had been lacking in 2023. Rookie Payton Wilson (LB) could also quickly contribute. Another point below last season is the cornerbacks. With the second year of Joey Porter Jr, after a promising rookie season, and the arrival of Donte Jackson, this sector is also improving.
These reinforcements should allow this defense to concede fewer yards than the 2023 season. Indeed, it was sixth in the league with 19.1 points conceded per game on average, but only 21st on yards conceded.
The running back committee will be able to provide the gains needed to give momentum to the attack. With Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson, the Steelers now have a choice for their offensive tactics. In addition, with the new rule regarding faceoffs, Patterson's contribution will be a new weapon.
Staying on special teams, Chris Boswell is a reliable kicker in the league with a 93.5% success rate in 2023.
Finally, it's hard to talk about the Steelers without mentioning the head coach, Mike Tomlin. At 51, he is now the coach with the longest tenure in his position. His statistics speak for him with a win ratio of 0.633. Which places him close to Andy Reid and Bill Belichick. Mike Tomlin is a unifying coach. His group adheres to his team management.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' Weak Point(s)
The offensive line is still under construction for this 2024 season. For the second year in a row, general manager Omar Khan has produced a quality draft. For the second year in a row, the first offensive curtain has been addressed, but the youth of this sector does not yet offer a guarantee. Around veteran Isaac Seumalo (LG), Broderick Jones (LT) must now prove. Rookies Troy Fautanu (OT), Mason McCormick (OG) and Zach Frazier (C) will have to quickly bring something extra to this offensive line.
As mentioned above, the receivers committee has weakened over the offseason. George Pickens is currently the No. 1. An impulsive type, if the offense doesn't work, the targets for new quarterbacks could be limited. Pittsburgh's coaching staff knows this, as they have remained active on the trade market at the position.
X-Factor: Arthur Smith (Offensive Coordinator)
In Pittsburgh, it will be Arthur Smith's offense in 2024! The Matt Canada page has now been turned. The former Falcons head coach is now on the move to do better offensively. After the 28th offense in 2023 with only 13 touchdowns, it's not an impossible bet. If the offense can stay on the field to give the defense a breath of fresh air, the Steelers will be a tough team to beat.
The key to success is building this offensive line. If Arthur Smith finds the right scheme with each player at his position, the quarterbacks can get time and the runners can get space. Not yet mentioned, tight end Pat Freiermuth is a reliable player who can act as a safety valve.
Arthur Smith's role is to get his offense to score at least 20 points and the defense will do the rest.
Player(s) to watch
It's hard not to highlight TJ Watt, but the focus will shift to the other side of the ball. The attraction could be the revival of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With the Broncos and Bears in a tight spot, who will win the starting spot, the old or the still-young quarterback?
With the questions about the offensive line, the legs of the two players with similar profiles could make the difference. And the difference in legs is 10 years in favor of Fields. However, the experience of Russell Wilson, used to running, could be an asset for this young attack.
The signings of these two quarterbacks remain a plus value compared to the 2023 season. And the financial bet is measured, because Fields is still in his rookie contract and the Broncos guarantee Wilson's salary. The game in week 2 will, moreover, be rather tasty for his return to Denver.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Schedule
@Falcons, @Broncos, Chargers, @Colts, Cowboys, @Raiders, Jets, Giants, BYE, @Commanders, Ravens, @Browns, @Bengals, Browns, @Eagles, @Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals
The audio preview
In summary
In an AFC North that is still as tough as ever, the Steelers will have to give up nothing to qualify for the play-offs. Having been waiting since 2016, the goal will be a first victory in the playoff series.
If Arthur Smith's play patterns come together, that goal will be achievable. But as the 2024 season begins, there is uncertainty offensively.
