By Jack McNicholas

The Steelers will be opening their season for the first time in 2022 without a plan built around their longtime franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh is finally in the quarterback competition OTA storyline carousel. While Mitchell Trubisky is expected to start, the former No.2 overall pick will still have to beat out the competition in first-round rookie Kenny Pickett or tenured backup Mason Rudolph. Whoever is lucky enough to win this competition will be surrounded by talent. While the Steelers’ offensive line has gone through turnover, the skill positions are electric. Najee Harris, was not only one of the best rookies in the league last season, but one of the best runnings backs period. Posting impressive numbers of 307 rushes, 1200 yards, and 7 touchdowns, to go along with that he had a great receiving campaign, 94 targets for 74 catches for 46 yds and 3 TDs receiving. The Steelers will be a team to watch through the air as well with Chase Claypool, Dionte Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth. Whomever Pittsburgh has at the helm of their offense; they will have support. It will be exciting to see how the team responds after a first-round playoff loss to Kansas City and their division rivals the Cincinnati Bengals making a Super Bowl appearance.

There is a lot of optimism around this team and when you put both the coaching and the roster now it is hard not to get excited about the Steelers. While in my opinion, Kenny Pickett could start the most games of any quarterback, it will be a transition as many have seen when a team gets a new quarterback in any situation, it will be an adjustment. The Steelers will rely on their defense, while they have many featured players such as Cameron Heyward, Stefon Tuitt, Devin Bush, and new addition linebacker Myles Jack. There is one player who sticks out so much that he was recognized as the defensive MVP of the league. I am talking of course about TJ Watt. Truly one of the most intimidating linebackers in today’s game. 22.5 sacks last season for Watt ties the all-time record set by Michael Strahan. However, the week 18 extension last season allowed Watt to tie which made many discredit however, still such an impressive feat and it does set a standard going forward for him being the bar none leader of this team at the moment. I am excited to watch as the Steelers battle their way through the AFC Norther which should have all teams at very high levels next season. Can the Steelers overcome the rising competition with a solid running game and defense until the long-term quarterback situation is resolved? Find out in 2022.