NFL Analyst Has Huge Bold Prediction About Steelers
PITTSBURGH -- When the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field for OTAs, the expectations were high. Coming off a disappointing season and adding some new pieces to their puzzle, this team felt different - exciting.
"It's super early, but just the vibe of the people. I kinda said that in an earlier interview, before we even started practicing, I could tell the vibe of the people is super super cool. Super super ready to go. And they're super super energized too, that's the thing," wide receiver George Pickens told All Steelers during minicamp. "I ain't gonna say the last group; guys last year, we had energy, but this year it's on-field energy. A lot more communication as well, too."
Well, that energy is starting to catch one. And some NFL analysts are viewing the Steelers as a team to make a run. One even believes they'll have a shot at a Super Bowl appearance come the postseason.
FOX Sports' Jason McIntyre dropped his five bold predictions for the 2023 NFL season, and within them is a huge expectation for the Steelers. While many have jumped on board the Pittsburgh bandwagon this season, with outlooks that they should return to the playoffs and compete in the AFC North, McIntyre sees the next level of success.
"BOLD PREDICTION NO. 5: The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the AFC Championship Game," McIntyre writes.
"Kenny Pickett, during the final seven games [last season], was a top 11 quarterback in the league. That guy was a rookie," McIntyre continues. "Kenny Pickett is mature. He looked sharp at the end of the season. The defense will be back and be really good. I've already bet them in Week 1. This Steelers team is a buy."
Pickett is the primary reason many have high hopes for the Steelers. The second-year quarterback has his first full offseason to prepare as a starter and helped turn the team's season around last year, going 7-5 after taking over for Mitch Trubisky.
The AFC Championship will not be easy. Chances are the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and a few others are going to be in the way of getting there. The Steelers should be able to compete with most of the NFL this season, but none of those teams are easy tasks.
Headed to the AFC title game would be on par for the Steelers, though. It's been a while since they last won a playoff game, so if they're going to win a few this year, no one is going to complain. And returning to a Super Bowl hopeful only feels right when talking about the future of the Pittsburgh franchise.
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