Two years after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be in the early stages of a rebuilding process.
They have a starting quarterback entering his second year in Kenny Pickett, plus some intriguing players at the skill positions, yet hardly anyone outside of western Pennsylvania feels like he’ll do anything significant next season.
But former NFL head coach Herm Edwards thinks they’ll make the playoffs.
The Steelers are Herm Edwards’ underrated pick to make the playoffs 👀
“I think this team is ready. We talk about Cincinnati, the Ravens all the time, don’t forget the Pittsburgh Steelers.” pic.twitter.com/Ya0kAj94OR
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 28, 2023
Edwards pointed to the growth Pickett showed late last season as a big reason he thinks Pittsburgh will surprise people and make the postseason.
Pickett finished the 2022 season with 2,404 passing yards, seven touchdown passes, nine interceptions and a 76.7 passer rating — numbers that look very bad on paper.
However, in his last eight games of 2022, he passed for 1,442 yards and five touchdowns while throwing just one interception as the Steelers won six of those eight contests.
Joining Pickett will be up-and-coming running back Najee Harris, who had 1,034 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns last year, and a strong group of wide receivers that includes Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
On the defensive end of football, TJ Watt remains one of the best pass-rushers, and the Steelers had two other Pro Bowlers in 2022 in safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
They’re also excited about second-round pick Joey Porter Jr., whose father was a star with Pittsburgh in his day.
Additionally, Edwards mentioned how valuable head coach Mike Tomlin is and how he brings out the best in his men.
NEXT:
Analyst says the way Kenny Pickett finished the season was ‘remarkable’
