A bright outlook

[whisper]

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2022/6/18/23165533/there-are-several-reasons-to-be-cheerful-and-excited-for-the-2022-steelers-mike-tomlin-nfl-news

Add to this the fact Najee Harris is bigger, stronger and has a better line, he could be even better this coming season. Once the run can be established the Canada system can then begin to work.

The most important reason to be optimistic, even though Stephon Tuitt has retired, is the return of Tyson Alualu. Alualu being added to the star-studded defense the Steelers already have means this unit will be even stronger. There’s even more flexibility there too. Rookie DeMarvin Leal and Genard Avery can play a number of positions. Three top quality safeties mean the defense can use 3-safety looks to help bolster both the run and pass defenses. This defense is loaded, and looks like a Top 5 unit.

Finally, another reason to be excited about the upcoming season is the fact the Steelers have Mike Tomlin. Tomlin hasn’t had a losing season, and has dragged very average rosters in the past to playoff contention, something very few other coaches have done.

So, let’s be optimistic and let the analysts write the team off. Because we know come September there’s going to be a lot of people in the media eating crow about the Steelers!

Well, OK, "britsburghowen," the interior OL should be improved but you didn't mention the OTs. They are crap. And your rush D improvement hinges on a 35-year-old DE/NT and some leftover parts and a 3rd-round rookie, not to mention 2 ILBs coming off bad seasons. And you have one of the worst QBs units in the NFL, as things stand to start the season. Hey, but you could be right: Maybe things are bright in Steeler Nation, we will see.

[Flasteel]

The bottom line is that there are a lot of reasons for optimism - despite the obvious and numerous question marks. Personally, I like the low expectations from every corner of the football world. But I don't see the team sitting on a pile of unused cap space, so perhaps there is still a move or two that will ease our collective angst. It will be interesting to see which question marks are further addressed between now and September - if any. Would love to see a versatile OT and defensive lineman added.

[Flasteel]

How about this scenario? Trade a 3rd round pick for Tyron Smith:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/steelers-named-possible-landing-spot-for-cowboys-lt-tyron-smith/ar-AAYCyGz?ocid=uxbndlbing

[whisper]

The bottom line is that there are a lot of reasons for optimism - despite the obvious and numerous question marks. Personally, I like the low expectations from every corner of the football world. But I don't see the team sitting on a pile of unused cap space, so perhaps there is still a move or two that will ease our collective angst. It will be interesting to see which question marks are further addressed between now and September - if any. Would love to see a versatile OT and defensive lineman added.

The situation is screaming for both. Why head into the season with such gaping holes? And I'm talking about some decent, proven players, not bottom of the bargain bin barrel.

[Flasteel]

The situation is screaming for both. Why head into the season with such gaping holes? And I'm talking about some decent, proven players, not bottom of the bargain bin barrel.

My guess is that it is some combination of liking some of the offseason development of players that we cannot see and waiting to get the best of the players left over who are desperate for a contract once the music stops playing. But I'm certain additions will be made to the team in the ensuing weeks. They will still have over $20M in cap space after signing Pickett. No team - let alone one that competes for championships as regularly as the Steelers do - would sit on that pile of cash and not plug deficiencies on their roster. They can't spend it all, as I'm certain there is an amount they like to keep in reserve, but that should be enough for two quality veteran starters. The question for me becomes, which question marks will they prioritize? I'm hoping it's the trenches.

[Captain Lemming]

The situation is screaming for both. Why head into the season with such gaping holes? And I'm talking about some decent, proven players, not bottom of the bargain bin barrel.

I fully expect we will be players in the cap cut sweepstakes.

Every year there are Joe Haden types that are suddenly available to be snapped up.

We just usually are too broke to jump in.

I expect they will be ready to pounce on any balloon contract left tackle that drops. Perhaps a dlineman too.

I predict this...we will get at least one maybe two very nice players that might make us feel better about existing holes.

[Flasteel]

I fully expect we will be players in the cap cut sweepstakes.

Every year there are Joe Haden types that are suddenly available to be snapped up.

We just usually are too broke to jump in.

I expect they will be ready to pounce on any balloon contract left tackle that drops. Perhaps a dlineman too.

I predict this...we will get at least one maybe two very nice players that might make us feel better about existing holes.

Bingo! I'm thinking the exact same thing. I'm curious to see if Khan and Tomlin are too.

[Prowler]

How about this scenario? Trade a 3rd round pick for Tyron Smith:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl...cid=uxbndlbing

How about a yes, a yes and a hell yeah. Great idea.!

[Flasteel]

How about a yes, a yes and a hell yeah. Great idea.!

Obviously not mine but I'm also down with the idea 100%! Too bad the roots of the rumor are just speculation from some Bleacher Report writer. However, this is the type of bold move that needs to be made at the spot.

[whisper]

How about this scenario? Trade a 3rd round pick for Tyron Smith:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl...cid=uxbndlbing

Isn't his back always going the last few seasons? No thanks.

[whisper]

I fully expect we will be players in the cap cut sweepstakes.

Every year there are Joe Haden types that are suddenly available to be snapped up.

We just usually are too broke to jump in.

I expect they will be ready to pounce on any balloon contract left tackle that drops. Perhaps a dlineman too.

I predict this...we will get at least one maybe two very nice players that might make us feel better about existing holes.

One would hope, for sure.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

How about this scenario? Trade a 3rd round pick for Tyron Smith:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl...cid=uxbndlbing

I don't think it happens. Two reasons. 1) The Steelers have not signed anyone over the age of 28 this off-season. I think that they are trying to get younger. 2) Injuries. He has not played a full season since 2015 and has missed 20 games the last two seasons alone.

Obviously, if healthy, he is a huge upgrade. But I don't see the new FO potentially stunting this build with Duce Staley at LT.

[Bawb the Revelator]

i don't think it happens. Two reasons. 1) the steelers have not signed anyone over the age of 28 this off-season. I think that they are trying to get younger. 2) injuries. He has not played a full season since 2015 and has missed 20 games the last two seasons alone.

Obviously, if healthy, he is a huge upgrade. But i don't see the new fo potentially stunting this build with duce staley at lt.

bingo!!!!!

[whisper]

I don't think it happens. Two reasons. 1) The Steelers have not signed anyone over the age of 28 this off-season. I think that they are trying to get younger. 2) Injuries. He has not played a full season since 2015 and has missed 20 games the last two seasons alone.

Obviously, if healthy, he is a huge upgrade. But I don't see the new FO potentially stunting this build with Duce Staley at LT.

I don't see it either. The guy is constantly hurt. What would adding him improve? Why would he suddenly get healthy? Duce at LT indeed.

[NorthCoast]

The writer forgot what I think was the most important off-season add. Flores ability to put together a sound defense, along with newly minted DC Austin. The Steelers did a fair job hiding a weak DL last season up to about mid-season. Then they got found out and all hell broke loose. They are gonna need some creative playcalling on both sides of the ball.

Lots of moving pieces but I'm loving the uncertainty of it all. Kinda like a blind date. You're looking forward to it, but you're just not sure what you're going to get on the night out.