The Pittsburgh Steelers have become a widely-discussed team throughout the NFL offseason.
While they didn’t make the playoffs in 2022, many pundits believe they could break through this year due to several factors.
Their starters saw some playing time in preseason games, hoping to build on the chemistry that began last year.
As Mike Tomlin recently shared from the team’s website via Around the NFL, “It’s difficult to box without sparring.”
Mike Tomlin on playing Steelers starters in preseason: "It's difficult to box without sparring"https://t.co/raFEqBdzqu pic.twitter.com/Vm12dWV2Gy
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 25, 2023
This is a clear indication of what Tomlin thinks of the preseason.
While it presents an additional opportunity for injuries to star players, it is a great opportunity to play in real-time.
Drills and joint practices can only do so much for a team.
The majority of the Steelers’ starters played in all three preseason games, helping them ramp up for the upcoming year.
With less than three weeks to go until the regular season begins, the Steelers can now turn their attention to Week 1.
In their season-opener, the Steelers face off against the San Francisco 49ers, which should provide a tough test.
After this doozy of an opener, the Steelers are scheduled to play the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans.
While the Browns might pose a difficult matchup, it’s reasonable to believe the Steelers can begin their first four games with a .500 record, if not better.
The battle for the AFC North title will be hard-fought, considering the amount of talent that exists within the division.
Can the Steelers put everything together, winning the division title for the first time since 2020?
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