January 24, 2024 “Dive into the Offseason”
Pittsburgh Steeler fans, welcome to the offseason. Now that I have had some time to digest the loss in Buffalo and the developments both in the organization and across the league, I will be getting back into blog discussions about the Steelers. Throughout the offseason I will attempt to provide some thoughts and discussion related to free agency, roster building through the draft, reflections on the prior season, and much more.
I, like all of you felt the disappointment of the playoff loss in Buffalo; however, I did reflect quite a bit on the positives this team gave us through the season. These are things that, despite them not being “Super Bowl Rings,” can provide a lot of optimism going into next season. To start, I was impressed and grateful of how this team continued to fight despite numerous, legitimate setbacks and roadblocks. Despite missing Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dionte Johnson, Kenny Pickett, all of the inside linebacker room, and several other key players for significant time this season, the Steelers kept fighting and finished the season 10-7, in the playoffs. If someone would have told me in August that this team would have all those injuries and still sweep Baltimore and Cincinnati, finish 5-1 in the hardest division in football, and make the playoffs, I would have taken it then! Next, I was encouraged by the step forward the offense took mid season after the release of Matt Canada. Kenny’s first game in Cincinnati, his first quarter against Arizona, and then Mason’s work down the stretch shows that this team has the players, has the talent to be a good offensive team. These items, coupled with the truly stellar run game of Najee and Jaylen should provide a ton of optimism for Steeler fans going into 2024 season. Lastly, this team has a great head coach, great management, and an aggressive GM. These facts should not be overlooked or taken for granted. The consistency and steadiness of this team will once again ensure that this team is a competitor next year. I think they have the tools and people in place to make this team one of the teams in the Super Bowl conversation next year.
The only other news I am following currently is the Offensive Coordinator search and pre draft analysis. I have separate pages dedicated to these topics, but will weigh in with my thoughts on this blog. If the Steelers can indeed higher someone who is 1. currently outside the organization 2. an experienced OC and 3. someone that can both develop Kenny Pickett and effectively organize the offensive game plan, this team will no doubt take the next step.
I am looking forward to absorbing the Steelers offseason and I hope you will join me!
Go Steelers.