Ok, just as a disclaimer, I get optimistic about the Steelers every year. Even last season. but this coming year just seems super special. Here is why:
1. We have a top Defense. They are the main reason we got into the playoffs last year and this upcoming year, we got better. Watt and Minkah, Cam and Highsmith are playing at top level. We got immediately better with Queen, Dante Jackson and Elliot. And Porter Jr and Benton will no longer be rookies but play with experience under their belt.
2. No Canada - and we have Arthur Smith. Just having no Canada is an improvement but Arthur Smith is a stud offensive coordinator. He was a star with Tenn and considered to be a dud with Atlanta but he had no QBs there. He knows how to control a game with the run and when to attack with the pass and knows not to turn the ball over. our offense will improve greatly because Smith knows how to get the most out of his players. Pickens will flourish as a play-action catch machine and our OL and running backs will play smash mouth football. I would also not be surprised to see Friermeuth and Washington and Austin III flourish as well.
3. We’ve got Russell (fucken) Wilson as our QB1. Honestly I was not hot on him because of how poor his last two years were. But the deeper I look at him - I can’t believe we got him. This guy has won a SB and he has had some amazing statistical years throwing even recently. Outside of Flacco there are only 4 active starting QBs who have won a SB. Maholm, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and Russell fucken Wilson - and we have him. How much would you trade to get Maholm, Stafford or Rodgers? I think Wilson has been discounted too much for what happened in Denver. Wilson did not have a compatible system in Denver. He was asked to do too much rather than just use his physical and mental talents and play. But even with this hanging over him - he actually played well at times last year under Sean Payton with 26 TDs and just 8 INts. He would have had more TDs if they didn’t sit him to make sure he couldn’t collect any injury money. I believe QBs deteriorate over time because they deteriorate physically (look at Ben) but mentally they just grow and stay grown. Wilson looks physically great and I think Arthur Smith will get the most out of him. If Smith had Wilson as QB in Atlanta - he would still have his job as HC of the falcons.
4. We have much better mental health - this team got a whole lot better mentally because toxic players (Diontae, Kenny, Chukky O) have been sent away and mediocrity (Mason Cole, Mitch Trubisky, Harvin, Rudolph ) isn’t being tolerated. I think Arthur Smith will be a stabilizing presence - the total oppo of Canada and Wilson will also stabilize this team.
5. icing on the cake - Justin Field is now a Steeler and he’s electric. Draft will get us a top stud Center, RT and WR. Tomlin is our coach! I know many don’t like that but I think he’s one of the top HCs in the league and we are lucky to have him. Khan is our GM and will get us playmakers just when it seems impossible. Our run game is strong with Najee and Warren - and a stronger OL will only make them better.
Yep. I’m getting drunk on Steeler Kool-Aid and enjoying every moment of it