Have the Steelers proven anything yet despite starting 4-1?
While the Steelers are off to a good start this season, there is still a long way to go, and a tougher schedule awaits. Sitting at 4-1, I’m inclined to note that they have a strength of schedule of .414. Out of the 20 teams with non-losing records, that ranks 17th. Yet the Bills have had a strength of schedule of just .286 and managed to lose twice so far. They have a strength of victory of .125, but you can only beat the teams you play.
Still, the Steelers have a lot on their plate before they can earn a playoff victory. They have the Packers, Colts, and Chargers coming up, plus the Bills and Lions. And by the time they have to play the Ravens twice, Baltimore should be healthy. And Shedeur Sanders should have the Browns looking like a Super Bowl team by the time they play again in Week 17—right, Josina?
The Steelers do have arguably two “quality wins” against the Patriots and Vikings, albeit the latter against a backup quarterback. People weren’t expecting much out of New England this year, but it is 4-2, 4-1 against non-Steelers teams. That’s something, I guess, right? And that did handle the Browns pretty decisively, which you want to see.
If the Steelers have not yet beaten a contender this year, they also haven’t faced one yet. One cannot blame them for their quality of opponent. I’m sure they didn’t want to have a harder back end of the schedule than the front, but it’s not up to them.
Still, the quandary remains unchanged: the Steelers have, in spurts, looked good, but are they for real? Is this a team that could make a playoff run? Have we seen enough to draw that conclusion, or must we wait and hold judgment?
The Steelers made some bold moves this offseason, from signing Aaron Rodgers to trading for Jalen Ramsey. Both moves have paid dividends so far, and there is more to come. The defense is just getting healthy, for example, and we’re seeing what that could look like. If the offensive and defensive lines continue to grow, this could be a very interesting team in January.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
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