The Pittsburgh Steelers have been predicted to miss the playoffs in a brutal early-season preview.
After yet another season of falling short in the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers and longtime head coach Mike Tomlin decided to cut ties with one another.
This was a long time coming, with Tomlin needing a change. Pittsburgh then hired former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to take over.
McCarthy now comes in, reuniting with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two won a Super Bowl with the Packers, and the expectation is that they can do so here in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers is entering what is expected to be the final year of his legendary NFL career, giving him the opportunity to ride off into the sunset. But the AFC is loaded this year, putting the Steelers' chances in some danger.
In fact, Pittsburgh has been predicted to miss the playoffs entirely in a new prediction from multiple members of NFL.com. The Steelers weren't even listed as a possible wild-card team, showing the thoughts on this group entering the year.
Pittsburgh did have a strong offseason, adding more firepower to the offense alongside wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf was excellent in his first year with the Steelers, catching 59 passes for 850 yards and six scores.
The team traded for wideout Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts, giving Rodgers more weapons to throw the ball to. Pittman has dealt with some injuries of late in his career, but when healthy, he could be a dynamic addition to this offense.
However, with Rodgers being 42 years old, it doesn't seem to move the needle too much. Pittsburgh will need to prove itself in a tough AFC North, where the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are both vying for postseason spots.
The offense held this team back a year ago, with there being a ton of inconsistency coming. However, the organization is hopeful that the moves made this offseason should help make the roster more well-rounded.
On defense, the Steelers also added more playmakers, giving them more help. But this group underperformed a year ago despite high expectations coming into the season.
Can the Steelers Reach Playoffs?
Overall, given how strong the AFC is expected to be this year, it could be tough for Pittsburgh to get into the playoffs. Of course, games aren't won on paper, and the Steelers are an experienced group who could surprise some.
But after winning the AFC North a year ago, the schedule doesn't do them any favors. The Steelers will open the new season on Sept. 13 against the new-look Atlanta Falcons.
