What’s the biggest X-factor for the Steelers heading into the 2022 season?

this Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their 2022 rookie minicamp and are entering the next phase of the OTA. With 90 players on their offseason roster, aside from the occasional player swap, most of the roster is solid unless they decide to make another big change.

When it comes to Steelers personnel, there are still plenty of questions to answer. Exactly who will play for the Steelers, or how cooperative a particular unit is, will be a big factor in the team’s success or lack thereof.

So, what is the Steelers’ biggest X-factor for their 2020 season?

First, I realized it was May. There’s a lot going on before the Steelers hit the floor in Week 1. As such, it’s likely that this issue will be re-addressed for the remainder of the offseason, training camp and preseason as the Steelers prepare to play meaningful football in September. But now that the roster is filled out, it’s a good time to start the process and see how things change in the coming months.

Currently, here are five nominations what is the biggest X factor in determining the Steelers’ success next season.because that’s not the problem Whothe player will not have specific options.

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quarterback position

With Ben Roethlisberger retiring, it was an obvious choice. It’s uncertain who will steal the spotlight in the Steelers’ first regular-season game in Cincinnati on September 11, and ultimately it will be that person’s performance that will help the Steelers win the game. Also, whether the person is still the Steelers’ quarterback all season is another factor. Whether it’s Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Chris Oradokun, or some surprising roster changes, the Steelers’ signal callers are going to be offensive An important factor in success, and therefore an important factor in the overall success of the Steelers.

offensive line

A problem for the Steelers over the past few seasons is that the offensive line’s ability to protect quarterbacks and open holes for running games is another big factor in the team’s offensive success. If the Steelers’ quarterback simply doesn’t have time to pitch, or is running for his life after a steal, it makes it harder for the offense to get into rhythm. Plus, if Najee Harris or any other Steelers running back is constantly being contacted in the backcourt, expecting huge improvements in the running game is a tall order. Additionally, if these factors significantly inhibit the offense, it may be that the defense is being asked to be on the court too often.

The Steelers did make some offseason moves to strengthen their offensive line. In bringing in James Daniel and Mason Cole, the Steelers weren’t sure under what circumstances those two players would contribute. But by adding two players with NFL experience, the Steelers’ young players shouldn’t be forced to play if they don’t make the necessary improvements in 2022. Between youngsters like Den Moore Jr. and Kendrick Green, Kevin Dotson was sidelined with injury for the second half of last season, and Chux O’Kolafo was retained, although there were questions about whether he could keep the spot , and how exactly free agency will fit into it can lead to a difficult situation that could end up being very good or turning in a very bad direction.

run back to depth

The Steelers seem to be with Pro Bowl Running back Nagy Harris as he enters his second season in the NFL. Harris was able to play in all 17 regular-season and playoff games last year, but his absence in the middle of Week 18 shows just how much his absence has affected the offense. Since the running back position is one where players are often sidelined by injury, are the Steelers ready to charge enough in the absence of Najib Harris? This is one of those questions you wish you never had to answer, but when it is answered, it becomes a big question.

stop running

Rather than blaming the defensive lineman or linebacker, it’s much easier to look at the defense as a whole and discuss their ability to stop the run. For the 2021 season, the Steelers gave up more rushing yards than in franchise history. Whether it’s wreaking havoc on the line of scrimmage or allowing linebackers to make room to step up and play, the Steelers kept hurting on the run last season. Yes, Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu are expected to return to the defense. But until they get on the court, the Steelers may not be sure what kind of games they can expect. While the modern NFL does allow teams to be very effective at blocking the pass, as long as they can block the pass very effectively and get close to the quarterback, the Steelers can be a truly dominant defense if they can adequately block the game. Two stage game.

cornerback

Although I don’t want to mention a specific position in the last quarter, this one is all about cornerbacks. The claim from Steelers fans is that the team doesn’t have a real top cornerback, and is the Steelers having multiple options in the second tier enough to get the job done? Can Levi Wallace come in and be the answer for one of those positions? Could Ahkello Witherspoon be put to good use in the paltry coverage of his struggles against the run? What do the Steelers want from Cameron Sutton? There are plenty of questions about this positional group in 2020, and the answers to those questions could be the difference between having an elite passing defense for the Steelers or having it as an area of ​​focus.

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There are likely more factors to consider when it comes to the Steelers’ 2022 season, but here are my five current picks. In case you’re wondering, the best answer to the biggest X-factor is “all of the above,” because the Steelers pulling together in all of these areas will ultimately determine their success.but which one is most major?

I don’t always do this in the articles I ask, but this time I’m going to give my answer:

offensive line

Yes, I’m a bit biased because I’ve both played and coached this position, but I feel like the other two offensive X-factors will be heavily influenced by the Steelers’ ability to function on the offensive line. If the Steelers can’t win in the trenches, they’re in trouble. If their offensive line can come together in a huge way, other factors are less important.

So, as we sit here in May, what do you think is the biggest X-factor for the 2022 Steelers? In what order would you arrange their five items? Make sure you vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.