It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are massive underdogs this year, not only to make the playoffs but to have a winning season. Setting aside the quarterback drama (and the common agreement that there needs to be someone behind center who can lead the team) there are three key players that can lead the black and gold to a playoff appearance if they have standout seasons.
The first is a defensive anchor who has contributed to the Steelers trademarked quarterback pressure: Alex Highsmith. Last season, he totaled six sacks and 45 total tackles. The main issue Highsmith encountered was his health, while he only played 11 total games due to a groin injury sustained in week three and an ankle injury in week ten. His dominance on the other side of TJ Watt will dramatically increase the chances of a Steelers playoff push.
The second key player comes in the form of a 6’4”, 235-pound freak of nature who was newly acquired this offseason: DK Metcalf. Chris Carter of the North Shore Drive Podcast said, “DK Metcalf doesn’t have better hands than George Pickens…but he follows through with so many other parts of the game that it not only makes up for that, but it makes him better than what George was.” Pickens was able to stretch the field and ultimately take defenders away from the run game, and the best of DK Metcalf will be able to do far beyond that and progress the offense more than what we saw last year.
Sticking with the offense, the last key contributor who can lead the Steelers to a playoff push is Roman Wilson. Missing the entirety of last season due to injuries, the Steelers faced an impossible challenge of not having a true number two wide receiver. If Wilson steps up and contributes how the team believed he would last year, the one two punch of Metcalf and himself may be too much to handle for defenses. Arthur Moats said, “He’s also the guy that I look at very similar to Calvin Austin last year.” Wilson could end up being a very productive slot receiver that opens up the offense and provides the space that DK needs - ultimately leading to a winning Steelers season.