3 reasons Pittsburgh Steelers will disappoint in 2022
By Randy Gurzi
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more consistent franchises in the NFL but heading into 2022, there are a few issues with their roster
There’s no team in the NFL that has as much stability as the Pittsburgh Steelers. The franchise has had just 16 coaches in its entire history which dates back to 1933 and since 1969, they have only had three — Chuck Noll (1969-1991), Bill Cowher (1992-2206), and now Mike Tomlin (2007-present).
Tomlin had quick success, winning a Super Bowl in his second season, and has also never had a losing campaign in 15 years. However, he’s heading into a season that could end up being the most difficult of his career.
With that being said, here are three reasons the Steelers could be in for a rough year in 2022.
3 reasons Pittsburgh Steelers will disappoint in 2022
3. Sheer number of contenders in the AFC
Since Tomlin joined the Steelers in 2007, they have been able to win the AFC North seven times. The Cincinnati Bengals had a few seasons sprinkled in where they were solid contenders and the Baltimore Ravens did the same.
However, in 2018 the Ravens landed Lamar Jackson and in 2019, the Bengals drafted Joe Burrow. Suddenly, the North had two elite — young — quarterbacks and the Steelers found themselves in some tough competition.
Even so, they won the division in 2020 and made the playoffs last season despite a slow start to the year. But this won’t be as easy in 2022.
Not only are Baltimore and Cincinnati threats, but the Cleveland Browns also added Deshaun Watson — who is facing a suspension but could still be a factor should he return.
Outside of the North, Russell Wilson is now in the AFC as he joins Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Josh Allen as top-tier quarterbacks in the conference.
That means Pittsburgh will have a tough time in their own division, and there will be many more contenders for the Wild Card spot which could leave them on the outside looking in.