The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their tradition of not having a losing record under the tenure of head coach Mike Tomlin when they clinched a playoff berth once again. However, their run to the postseason was ended early by the Buffalo Bills, and the season ended with similar questions about how special they could be if certain changes were made. Changes were made during the offseason, but because of the type of personnel bought in to usher those changes, those burning questions may linger at the end of the season once again. Here’s our outlook on the Steelers 2024 campaign.
Previewing the Steelers’ Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant moves this offseason to revamp their offense, starting with the acquisition of Russell Wilson on a veteran minimum deal. Wilson, still under a lucrative contract with the Denver Broncos, brings a wealth of experience, including multiple Pro Bowl selections, Super Bowl appearances, and numerous playoff records. Alongside him, the Steelers secured Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, a talented quarterback with potential who may have been undervalued in Chicago. Fields provide a dynamic option if the Steelers need a mid-season change.
Hiring Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator is a pivotal move. Known for his success with the Tennessee Titans, where he transformed Ryan Tannehill into a Pro Bowl quarterback and elevated Derrick Henry to elite status, Smith aims to bring the same success to Pittsburgh. His expertise is expected to significantly enhance the Steelers’ running game, featuring Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren poised for big contributions.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers made strategic additions by selecting Troy Fautanu in the first round and Roman Wilson in the third. Fautanu, an offensive tackle from Washington, was a top-10 talent who fell due to injury concerns, and his presence could solidify the offensive line. Roman Wilson, a former national champion from Michigan, adds speed and versatility to the receiving corps, including promising talents like George Pickens and Van Jefferson. Despite trading Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett, the receiving unit remains strong, with Calvin Austin III poised to make a significant impact with his game-breaking speed.
Pat Freiermuth, a reliable tight end, will continue to be a key target in the passing game, benefiting from the play-action setups that Smith’s offense is known for. The Steelers’ offensive success will hinge on their ability to establish the run and create opportunities for Wilson or Fields to exploit defenses.
Overall, the 2024 Steelers’ offense, under the guidance of Arthur Smith and led by veteran Russell Wilson, has the potential to transform into a formidable unit. If the pieces fall into place and key players stay healthy, Pittsburgh could see significant improvements and a deeper playoff run.
Previewing the Steelers’ Defense
Compared to the offensive side, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense saw fewer wholesale changes this offseason, maintaining much of its core from last year. The most notable acquisition was linebacker Patrick Queen, signed from the division rival Baltimore Ravens on a three-year deal. Queen’s arrival brings a new dynamic to the linebacker corps, adding speed and playmaking ability. Additionally, the Steelers bolstered their secondary by signing safety DeShon Elliott to a two-year deal and extending Pro Bowl safety and special teamer Miles Killebrew for another two years.
The defense remains largely intact despite releasing veterans like Keanu Neal and Patrick Peterson. Last season, the unit finished 21st in total defense, 17th against the pass, 19th against the run, and 6th in points allowed. These middle-of-the-pack rankings don’t fully capture the defense’s ability to make key plays, particularly through the efforts of T.J. Watt, who had another stellar year with 19 sacks.
Joey Porter Jr., the cornerback drafted out of Penn State in 2023, is one player to watch. After a promising rookie season, expectations are high for Porter to elevate his game and become a cornerstone of the secondary. The addition of cornerback Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers also strengthens the defensive backfield, providing depth and experience.
The Steelers’ defense has long been a hallmark of the team under head coach Mike Tomlin. While recent seasons have seen some decline, the potential for a resurgence is evident. The AFC North is packed with high-powered offenses, featuring stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Zay Flowers, Tee Higgins, and Amari Cooper. The Steelers need a robust secondary and relentless pass rush to compete.
With the offseason moves, including the addition of Patrick Queen and the retention of key players, the defense is poised to return to its disruptive form. If these new pieces gel and young talents like Joey Porter Jr. continue to develop, the Steelers defense could again become a formidable unit in the NFL.
Key Games in 2024 for the Steelers
Ravens
Bengals
Browns
Cowboys
Jets
Colts
Eagles
Chiefs
Raiders
Steelers 2024 Predicted Record and Season Outlook
9-8: (On the Bubble Playoff Contender)
Heading into the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to finish with a 9-8 record, positioning themselves as a bubble playoff contender. The primary reason for this cautious optimism revolves around the quarterback situation, which remains the team’s most significant storyline. The Steelers will need to determine which quarterback, between the newly acquired veterans Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, gives them the best chance to secure a playoff spot and potentially make a deep postseason run.
Russell Wilson’s past accolades and playoff experience are undeniable. Still, questions linger about whether his struggles with the Denver Broncos were due to a poor system or a decline in his abilities. On the other hand, Justin Fields arrives from Chicago with a lot to prove. Many believe he received a raw deal with the Bears, and his performance in the more competitive AFC North will be telling. Fields must demonstrate whether he can be an efficient passer and a long-term solution for the Steelers.
The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, with formidable opponents like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson. The Steelers’ quarterbacks will face these elite rosters weekly, testing their mettle and the team’s overall potential. Wilson’s experience in high-stakes games could be an asset, but his recent form raises doubts. Similarly, Fields will have to adapt to the increased competition and prove his worth quickly.
A 9-8 record could place the Steelers on the cusp of the playoffs, highlighting the fine line between making it to the postseason or missing out entirely. While not a guaranteed playoff berth, a winning record would reflect the team’s resilience and ability to remain competitive under head coach Mike Tomlin. The quarterback situation will be the deciding factor, and the Steelers’ success will hinge on which signal-caller steps up when it matters most.
In conclusion, while there is uncertainty regarding the quarterback position, the Steelers’ solid roster and strategic offseason moves provide a foundation for a potentially successful season. The 2024 campaign promises to be intriguing for Pittsburgh, with the possibility of playoff contention hinging on their ability to resolve the quarterback problem.
