Stemming from a dialog Dave Bryan and I had on Friday’s episode of The Horrible Podcast, I’m rating probably the most priceless Pittsburgh Steelers getting into the 2024 season. These aren’t essentially the very best, however the gamers the staff can be most impacted by in the event that they had been injured or in any other case unavailable.
There definitely isn’t a clear-cut reply for a high 5, and I’d like to see your lists within the feedback under.
1. EDGE T.J. Watt
Although the remainder of the record might be debated, it’s onerous to argue No. 1. For many groups, the quarterback, even a mean one, would take the highest spot. Not Pittsburgh. They’ve proven they’ll win and compete irrespective of who’s below heart. However Watt? They don’t win with out him. The numbers don’t lie. When he’s not within the lineup, the Steelers are 1-11, playoffs included.
Even with Nick Herbig rising and the Steelers’ entrance seven the energy of the staff, nobody can substitute what Watt brings. A top-ten participant in soccer and, with out query, probably the most priceless participant on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster.
2. WR George Pickens
Realizing the Steelers received’t land Brandon Aiyuk or any vital needle-mover at broad receiver, Pickens will get on the rostrum and silver medal, edging out Russell Wilson. With out Pickens, Pittsburgh doesn’t have their high receiver or explosive passing recreation. The hole between Pickens and Van Jefferson is just bigger than Russell Wilson to Justin Fields.
It’ll be onerous sufficient to push the ball with Pickens, and the eye defenses will present to him, although that opens up favorable matchups elsewhere. With out him, a gaggle of Van Jefferson/Roman Wilson/Calvin Austin III/Scotty Miller pose no risk to an NFL secondary. And even the very best OC wouldn’t be capable to scheme previous it.
3. QB Russell Wilson
Even because the uncommon staff with a quarterback third on this record, I do know this one might nonetheless be debated. Pittsburgh has Justin Fields behind Wilson, a succesful and thrilling quarterback who, at his finest, can produce greater performs than Wilson. Nonetheless, the worth of a beginning quarterback, usually, carries a ton of weight. Extra importantly, Wilson takes much better care of the ball than Fields. And regardless that Fields had a superb summer time, turnovers and miscues had been nonetheless on show.
Simply as Pittsburgh struggles to win with out Watt, they battle after they flip the ball over no matter turnover margin. Final 12 months, they had been 4-5 after they turned the ball over even as soon as. Conversely, they had been 6-1 after they completed with zero giveaways. Fields remains to be too streaky and turnover-prone, and that might value Pittsburgh a recreation. A Steelers staff with none margin for error. It’s nearly like Kenny Pickett vs Mitch Trubisky, although Wilson and Fields every have way more uncooked expertise.
There’s a purpose why it nonetheless felt like Wilson skated to the beginning spot. Defending the ball was why.
4. DT Cam Heyward
Although he’s 35 and should by no means attain his peak once more, Heyward’s worth to the Steelers remains to be tough to quantify. Their finest defensive lineman, strongest participant, and staff captain, Pittsburgh felt how a lot they missed him final 12 months. With out him, their run protection fell off however returned when a 70 % well being Heyward got here again to the lineup.
Pittsburgh’s D-line depth seems stronger, and Keeanu Benton is an rising star, however changing a man like Heyward will surely take multiple man. And Pittsburgh nonetheless lacks his long-term alternative.
5. CB Joey Porter Jr.
I wrestled with this one, deciding between Porter and FS Minkah Fitzpatrick. However Porter is tasked to tackle a slew of No. 1 receivers this 12 months, which Pittsburgh would battle to exchange. Even with out Fitzpatrick and his play-making final 12 months, Pittsburgh was a top-five scoring protection. With cornerback depth skinny, the Steelers are relying on Porter to ascend to even higher heights in his second season and change into a borderline elite nook. In that case, it’ll unlock a lot of their protection.
Defensive backs are additionally solely ranked barely decrease due to the Steelers’ uncanny skill to make their protection work. Dropping all their safeties final 12 months and nonetheless hanging in. Partly due to a entrance seven that may get after the quarterback and partly due to the pinnacle coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive backs coach being sound secondary minds. They’ll scheme away among the harm higher than different positions.
Most Beneficial Nos. 6-10: FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, Okay Chris Boswell, C Zach Frazier, OG Isaac Seumalo, ILB Patrick Queen
