The Cleveland Browns prepare for their AFC North opener against their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like the Browns, the Steelers underwent a coaching change
this past offseason, but when it comes to their quarterback situation, this will be the last season we see quarterback Aaron Rodgers play in the NFL. On paper, Pittsburgh returns the same team that made the postseason last year but made minor tweaks.New coach, same QB
Mike Tomlin is now working for NBC Sports. After spending a year away from coaching,
Mike McCarthy is now coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Mike McCarthy has an NBA head coach counterpart, he would be Doc Rivers (who also works for NBC Sports). Outside of one championship that he won, McCarthy’s resume is average at best. His departure from the Packers was somewhat messy, but he was later hired by the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite having numerous winning seasons with the Cowboys, McCarthy could never get them out of the divisional round, despite some years of the team having the talent to make a deep playoff run.
It’s too early to tell if going from Tomlin to McCarthy is an upgrade, but McCarthy’s coaching staff is slightly better than Tomlin’s staff from last year.
In regard to the quarterback, Aaron Rodgers will retire after this season. Rodgers hasn’t been as good during his prime, but he is still showing that he’s capable of being a competent quarterback despite his clear limitations.
Are the Steelers actually good?
It’s too early to tell, but no one knows how good the Steelers are. On paper, the roster seems the exact same as last year despite a couple of new additions. Despite the team being 2-1, the two wins that the Steelers have aren’t exactly impressive. The Atlanta Falcons could’ve beaten them if quarterback Cooper Rush didn’t start, and special teams is the reason why the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t leave Pittsburgh with a win. The ceiling/floor still remains the same, but it’s hard to imagine this team actually making a deep playoff run due to their limitations eventually catching up to them. This team isn’t bad, but it’s hard to say if they are actually good.
The defense might be better, scheme-wise
The one unit that has slowly dropped off over the years is Steelers defense. Maybe not anymore. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was a liability, and going from Austin to Patrick Graham was an upgrade. The unit remains the same on paper, but on the field, the defense looks different.
Linebacker T.J. Watt is being moved around and not relegated to one spot, defensive tackle Cam Heyward is still defying Father Time, and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon seems to be making the leap. The secondary has some reliable veterans in Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean, but the situation surrounding Joey Porter Jr. is one that can’t be ignored. Porter Jr. hasn’t played this season, but he could play on Thursday night. After not reaching a new deal on a contract, Porter Jr could be traded to another team and the Steelers would be open to it.
Overall, this unit could be better than what we have seen in recent years.
Are you concerned about the Steelers in Week 4 or think they are just an older, struggling team?
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