Steelers Insider The detailed path to the AFC North title and beyond

 The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to compete in the knockout stages of the 2022 season until the Miami Dolphins kicked in goal with 18 seconds left to face the New York Jets in Week 18. Despite the flip between Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett throughout the season, and arguably lacking their most important defensive player in a long time, the team went 9-8 to hold the record for ever-losing coaching season. Chief Officer Mike Tomlin.

While a number of possible problems, from the Lamar Jackson contract dispute, to the trade rumors and legal troubles that have the division's teams worried, the road back to being a competitor is synonymous with beating them consistently. The Cincinnati Bengals still have tons of weapons, including star quarterback Joe Burrow, and almost won the Super Bowl last year.

The Baltimore Ravens are currently a big question mark because of Jackson's situation but expect coach John Harbaugh to plan to be a competitive team with or without their former MVP.

The Cleveland Browns are another mystery team this season, with Deshaun Watson. The three-time Pro Bowl-nominated quarterback had a mixed first half of a season with the Browns after returning from an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. During this time, Watson will have a full vacation and training camp with the Browns and may be able to help the Browns turn the tide.

While there appears to be a potential path to next year's AFC North nominations, a Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sees them as a conference player next year if they can. Some important things can be achieved. Gerry Dulac answered a few questions about when the Steelers are ready to play again, and he has the answers to both being an AFC player and returning to true Super Bowl candidate status.

“I think their offensive ability right now could be good enough as long as Matt Canada can do better than what we've seen in two years and Kenny Pickett continues to grow into the second year,” he said of competition next year. "A top CB is a must. And so is a new beast for defence."

Open the real Steelers candidate window

As far as getting the Steelers back to their true championship standards, Dulac reckons it will take at least a couple of seasons and some wise decisions.

"I think they're at least two years away from being that kind of contender," he said in response to a question about Terry Bradshaw winning the Super Bowl in his fifth year and Ben Roethlisberger winning his second. "First, they need to show me that they can win a playoff and hold an opponent less than 45 points."

For the first time ever, Tomlin will work with general manager Omar Khan and his new staff to navigate the Steelers' illegal moves in draft and free agency to try to get the team back into challenger status. perennial formula for the top prize of the tournament.

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