Crimson Tide NFL Rundown: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers started off 2022 rough, winning just two of their first eight games before turning things around and posting a "W" in seven of their last nine games to end the season. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett took over as the starter by Week 4, and it was an up-and-down ride for the former Pittsburgh Panther, as he had 2,404 yards and seven touchdowns opposed to nine picks. The Steelers are hoping Pickett can take another step in his development in 2023. He'll have some good weapons around him to help, beginning with running back Najee Harris. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout has had over 1,000 yards and exactly seven touchdowns in both seasons that he has been in the NFL. He can also contribute a lot in the passing game, but Pickett's primary targets are former Georgia wide receiver George Pickens, who had 801 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie campaign, and Diontae Johnson, who had 882 receiving yards in 2022.
Defensively, the Steelers have seemingly always been formidable, and that won't change in 2023. Their pass rush is led by TJ Watt, who had a career year in 2021 — with 64 tackles, 22.5 sacks (tying Michael Strahan's record), five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and seven passes defended — but suffered an injury that kept him sidelined for part of 2022. Pittsburgh's other defensive superstar is former Alabama All-American Minkah Fitzpatrick. The safety had a career-high six interceptions in 2022, while also having 96 tackles, one kick blocked, and one defensive touchdown.
SEE ALSO: Minkah Fitzpatrick Setting New Standard With Pittsburgh Steelers
Active Pittsburgh Steelers
#39 Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
#22 Najee Harris, RB
#29 Levi Wallace, CB
Harris shocked many Alabama fans when he decided to return for his senior season in 2020, but it ultimately was the best decision for both the Crimson Tide and the running back. During the 2020 season, he had 1,466 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 425 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. The first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft has been a key part of the Pittsburgh offense every since, but say his production drop last season as the offense struggled. Harris looks to take a big leap and establish himself as the long-term leader in the running back room in 2023.
During his time at Alabama, Fitzpatrick played all over Nick Saban's secondary, including at "Star" in the nickel package. After Eddie Jackson suffered a broken leg in 2017, Fitzpatrick made the full-time shift after being recruited as a cornerback. Over his three-year Crimson Tide career, Fitzpatrick totaled 171 total tackles, 15 passes defended, five sacks, two forced fumbles, nine picks, and four defensive touchdowns. he was a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018, then was traded to Pittsburgh in September 2019 for a first-round selection.
Cornerback Levi Wallace was a walk-on at Alabama after growing up in Arizona. Not only did he end up earning a scholarship, but won a starting job in 2017. Undrafted, he signed with the Buffalo Bills and did it all over again, winning a starting job and being a mainstay in the secondary until signing with the Steelers last year.
Pittsburgh's season will be largely dependent on its quarterback. The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, with all four teams being annual playoff hopefuls. The Steelers have to split their division games at least if they have a hope to make the postseason for the first time since the Ben Roethlisberger era.
See Also: Bama in the NFL: Active Alabama Players
