There were crickets from the national media on the topic of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. Fast-forward to a post-undefeated preseason and suddenly they’re a popular pick for the overused “sleeper” label — Google it, and you’ll see.
Even former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant hopped on the hype train, posting to X: “The Steelers will be this year’s sleeper team.”
Buy Steelers TicketsThe Steelers will be this year sleeper team
👀
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 2, 2023
Though Mike Tomlin and Co. will never admit it, the Steelers went into rebuild mode after Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021. It was a swift process and, so far, the parts they added seem to fit. The offensive line is protecting Kenny Pickett, giving him time to scale the field and make plays to his solid corp of receiving threats while the defense keeps its opponents from doing the same.
There’s plenty of reason to be excited. George Pickens is George Pickensing, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren remain a great one-two punch, and Pickett ended the 2022 season on a hot streak. If the upgraded line can do what we think they can in both run blocking and pass pro, they’ll help Pittsburgh win a lot of games.
PFF is big on the Steelers Offensive Line in 2023: “This year, with the additions of veteran guard Isaac Seumalo and rookie Broderick Jones at tackle, they climb into the top 10. They allowed 138 total pressures as a unit last year, ranking seventh in pass-blocking efficiency,…
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) September 2, 2023
Of course, plenty of naysayer analysts and media types believe Pittsburgh will be at the bottom of the AFC North barrel after the season wraps in January.
Let them. That kind of disrespect fuels the fire.
