NFL Offseason Fixer-Uppers: How Steelers Can Improve in 2023
Analysis 2/23/23
In an ongoing offseason series, experts from The 33rd Team offer three things each team can do to improve in 2023.Â
AFC: BAL | BUF | CINÂ |Â CLE | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LV | MIAÂ |Â NEÂ |Â NYJ | TEN
NFC: ATL | CAR |Â DAL |Â DET | GB | LAR |Â MIN | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF | TB
The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a slow start with a 2-6 record before winning seven of their last nine games to finish 9-8. Still, that wasn't good enough to make the postseason.
3 Ways to Improve Steelers
1. Continued Growth of QB Kenny Pickett
In games he started, Kenny Pickett was 7-5. He had a winning record, which is huge for a young quarterback. One thing that needs to be improved is he had just seven touchdown passes. That's a reflection of him, but also they need to go out and find or develop a No. 1 receiver. They played with two young guys: Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Pickett also had nine interceptions and was sacked 27 times. Pickett was in and then missed time because of a concussion. He never was quite able to stay in a rhythm. — Marvin Lewis
Those young quarterbacks need some other guys around them. You try to mold that quarterback into what you want him to be. They'll probably take a big step this year. — Mike Zimmer
2. Improve Rushing Attack
Najee Harris was down to 3.8 yards per carry. Getting him back up to that 4.5-4.8 range would be very helpful for this squad. — Marvin Lewis
3. Address Defensive Explosiveness
Defensively we know how good they've been over time, but T.J. Watt missed time. They had Alex Highsmith come through with 14.5 sacks and Cameron Heyward had 10.5 sacks, but the defense was not as explosive as it has been. — Marvin Lewis
Marvin Lewis is a former NFL Head Coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis won AP Coach of the Year in 2009 and is a Super Bowl champion as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Follow him on Twitter at @MarvinLewis.
Mike Zimmer is a former NFL Head Coach with the Minnesota Vikings. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys with whom he won Super Bowl XXX, he also coached the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals.