Fansided

5 nightmare scenarios for Steelers 2023 season and how to avoid them

By Rucker Haringey

Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) warmup before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) warmup before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need another big season for Cameron Heyward. Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/Syndication: Beaver County Times /

The Steelers want to make a deep playoff run in 2023, but any of these five nightmare scenarios could torpedo Pittsburgh’s season.

Every NFL fan wants to focus on what can go right for their favorite team next season, but front offices are just as focused on what could go wrong. A team like the Steelers needs to eliminate potential risks on their roster if they want to return to the postseason in 2023.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the continuity in place with head coach Mike Tomlin at the helm helps keep their franchise headed in the right direction. Even when roster turnover occurs, Tomlin and his coaching staff help maintain consistency by helping get the new players on task quickly.

That’s especially important heading into 2023 since the Steelers have some untested players featuring prominently on their depth chart. Maintaining high-level production from veterans will also be essential for Pittsburgh if they want to be title contenders. The first nightmare scenario on this list would make Tomlin’s defense very average, very quickly.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 nightmare scenarios and how to avoid them

5. Age could slow Cameron Heyward down

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Heyward was one of the most effective defensive linemen in the NFL last season. He racked up 12 sacks and posted a PFF grade of 89.8 on the campaign. That’s a great season for a player of any age.

It’s even more impression when you consider that Heyward posted those stats during his age-33 season. He’s not going to play at such a high level forever. It’s reasonable to consider whether or not Heyward will start experiencing age-related regression in 2023.

One way to combat this nightmare scenario is for the Steelers to work on limiting Heyward’s snap count. It’s tempting to leave him on the field for every snap because of his status as a top-flight edge rusher and run defender. Giving him some rest during the early season could help him stay fresh and productive for another full year.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers