• The Steelers are clearly flying under the radar heading into this season. And that's fine.
They are a clearly better team than they were in 2024. And they are markedly better than they were in 2023, when they also made the postseason.
This is a team that can clearly make some moves in the postseason in 2025. It's a team certainly capable of winning playoff games.
Health will play a huge factor in that, which is why Tomlin milked his veterans through the preseason. That doesn't guarantee health at the end of the season, but it sure doesn't hurt, either.
• Keep an eye on Calvin Austin III early this season. If he and Aaron Rodgers click early, it could mean big things for the Steelers.
Some look at Austin and see him as simply a slot receiver. That is very far from the truth. In fact, pound for pound, Austin might be the toughest player on the team, if not the league.
Austin has shown time and again that he can take a hit and bounce right back up.
He also has the speed to outrun nearly anyone in the league. And Rodgers' release and arm strength makes him reachable anywhere on the field.
Opponents can double team DK Metcalf at their own risk. If they also single Austn, they will be playing with fire/
• Harmon's potential knee injury was a huge dodge of a major catastrophe for the Steelers. But it shows the balance coaches have to walk to prep for the regular season while also trying to stay healthy.
While Harmon needs to be ready to play once the season starts, he also needs to be healthy. That could have been wrecked all in one play. Fortunately for the Steelers, that was not the case.
Harmon will be back at some point, and the Steelers will be a better team for it.
Let's kick this season off.