Austin Hansen | Staff Writer
Weather is changing and a slight breeze is in the air, and most importantly for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, pro football in the city of Pittsburgh is right around the corner. The 2024 season is one that many Steeler fans are eagerly waiting for in hopes of success, yet the Steel City, along with many other Steelers faithful around the world, know this season is a potential turning point for better or worse. With a roster featuring a mix of seasoned veterans, emerging stars and in my opinion many question marks, this season promises to be both exciting and challenging for Steeler Nation.
The Steelers are coming off a tumultuous season with a 10-7 regular season record, finishing third in the AFC North and losing to the Buffalo Bills by a score of 31-17 in a historically weather-impacted Wild Card Weekend game. Though that may be an impressive record on paper, many fans believe the Steelers organization is complacent with the idea of mediocrity. Furthermore, some Steelers fans are unhappy with the signing of Head Coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year contract extension, keeping Tomlin in Pittsburgh through at least the 2027 season, wondering why this idea of mediocrity is okay.
I, on the other hand, categorize myself as a fan of Tomlin because of his ability to win in situations where the team may not be superior to the opponent. In one-score games, I think Tomlin coaches the Steelers toward a win better than many other coaches. In fact, of the 17 games last season, the Steelers found themselves in 11 games decided by one possession and managed a 9-2 record in them. Does the much-parroted talking point of Tomlin never having a losing season in his 17 year coaching tenure get annoying at times? Yes. But is it something no other veteran coach in the NFL can come close to saying? Also, yes. Coaching comes down to the schemes and strategies that build a foundation for a successful ball club. The Steelers have a foundation like no other, and it is one that General Manager Omar Khan is ready to capitalize on in his third season at the helm.
Khan was more active this offseason than any Steelers GM has been in the past, making enough moves to the point where only six and seven starters are returning to the offense and defense, respectively. It’s a strategy that may help the Steelers get to the next level in the long haul, but one that I believe may leave a few more upset reactions out of the crowds of 80,000-plus at Acrisure Stadium this fall than desired.
The 2024 NFL Draft found the Steelers drafting tackle Troy Fautanu out of Washington with their first-round pick at 20th overall, and center Zach Frazier out of West Virginia in the second round at 51st. Both Fautanu and Frazier are slated to be starters on Pittsburgh’s revamped offensive line.
The draft wasn’t the only way the Steelers bolstered their roster, as Khan went out in free agency and signed Pro Bowl outside linebacker Patrick Queen, a huge win not only for the Steelers but to take away from rival Baltimore, even if he was priced out of the Ravens defense. Additionally, Khan extended veteran DT Cameron Heyward.
Of all offseason changes, perhaps the most dramatic is the complete overhaul of the quarterback room. The Steelers signed Russell Wilson and were able to trade with Chicago for Justin Fields. Both are on team-friendly deals. The other notable on-field offensive change came from the trade with Carolina, which resulted in the Steelers shipping out receiver Diontae Johnson and getting cornerback Donte Jackson in return.
The QB battle between Wilson and Fields was one Steeler fans were very invested in and a difficult one for Tomlin. Waiting until after the preseason ended, Tomlin decided to go with the more consistent and proven option in Wilson. Wilson has thrown for over 3,000 yards in each of his 12 seasons in the NFL, although if things get rocky early in the season it would not surprise me if Fields gets an early look.
There’s also a new face at offensive coordinator, as the Steelers hired former Atlanta Head Coach Arthur Smith after he spent three seasons leading the Falcons to a 7-10 record in each one. To the average fan, the record may not sit well, along with the No. 17 offense in total yards and No. 26 in scoring, but Steelers fans must be reminded his job in Pittsburgh lies solely as the offensive coordinator. Smith’s step down in the hierarchy of NFL coaching positions gives him a look at success that he is more familiar with. Before being hired in Atlanta, Smith was Tennessee’s OC in the 2019 and 2020 seasons where the Titans had an explosive offense led by superstars Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown, and finished top-five in most offensive categories both years.
While the offensive weapons may be unproven and in unfamiliar territory in Pittsburgh, I believe Smith will be able to give this offense a better chance than many others would expect out of him when looking at the Steelers on paper. The offense will look to benefit from Smith’s ability to scheme the run game utilizing both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. I would also expect to see a breakout season from both tight end Pat Freiermuth and even the rest of the TE room, as Smith loves to get as many tight end pieces involved as possible, especially downfield.
The Steelers defense has been the backbone of the organization for years, and I think this year the trend should continue. Last season the Steelers had a plus-11 turnover differential which was third in the league, and they return once again former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt. Along with him, Queen, Heyward and Alex Highsmith, the front seven is going to be a threat to opposing teams, and with a secondary including Joey Porter Jr. in his second year, newcomer Jackson and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is in good hands.
This season will not be an easy one, especially with the back half of the schedule including all of the usual tough AFC North games plus the back-to-back weeks with the two-time defending champion Chiefs and the always-dangerous Eagles. The offense is the biggest question mark within the roster, but with proper scheme from Smith and the expected consistencies from Wilson the team might be able to figure it out. The scare comes if the offense comes out to a slow start, and in this instance, I would expect Fields to make a high-upside opportunity. Though the division will be a warzone, I believe that this team will at best be a .500 team once again, finishing at 9-8, but continuing Tomlin’s streak.