As we look ahead to the 2023 NFL season, the spotlight turns to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has proven its resilience over the past two decades. Under the leadership of Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have not experienced a losing season since 2003. The previous year saw them finish with a respectable 9-8 record, part of a transitional phase for the franchise with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett at the helm. However, expectations run high in Pittsburgh, a city accustomed to winning, and with increasing competition in the AFC North, the Steelers will be under considerable pressure to improve upon their performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time | TV Channel | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 10 | vs San Francisco 49ers | 1:00 p.m. | Fox | Acrisure Stadium |
| 2 | Sept. 18 | vs Cleveland Browns | 8:15 p.m. | ABC | Acrisure Stadium |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | @ Las Vegas Raiders | 8:20 p.m. | NBC | Allegiant Stadium |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | @ Houston Texans | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | NRG Stadium |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | vs Baltimore Ravens | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Acrisure Stadium |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | Bye | |||
| 7 | Oct. 22 | @ Los Angeles Rams | 4:05 p.m. | Fox | SoFi Stadium |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | vs Jacksonville Jaguars | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Acrisure Stadium |
| 9 | Nov. 2 | vs Tennessee Titans | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime | Acrisure Stadium |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | vs Green Bay Packers | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Acrisure Stadium |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | @ Cleveland Browns | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Cleveland Browns Stadium |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | @ Cincinnati Bengals | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Paycor Stadium |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | vs Arizona Cardinals | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | Acrisure Stadium |
| 14 | Dec. 7 | vs New England Patriots | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime | Acrisure Stadium |
| 15 | TBD | @ Indianapolis Colts | TBD | TBD | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| 16 | Dec. 23 | vs Cincinnati Bengals | 4:25 p.m. | NBC | Acrisure Stadium |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | @ Seattle Seahawks | 4:05 p.m. | FOX | Lumen Field |
| 18 | TBD | @ Baltimore Ravens | TBD | TBD | M&T Bank Stadium |
Offseason Developments
The Steelers have taken proactive steps in bolstering their roster during the offseason. Key acquisitions have been made to address their needs at the inside linebacker position and on the offensive line. In the draft, the team traded up to select Georgia’s offensive tackle Broderick Jones and also picked former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. These players, along with others from a robust draft class, are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Analysis of the Season
As the season unfolds, the Steelers face several key challenges and opportunities. For instance, their opening game against the 49ers will be a crucial litmus test for their new-look offense, particularly the strengthened left side of the offensive line. However, they can also leverage this as an opportunity, with the 49ers navigating their own challenges, including a new defensive coordinator and an uncertain quarterback situation.
A notable hurdle in the Steelers’ season is their closing stretch, considered their toughest since the 2008 season. Facing formidable teams like the Bengals, the Seahawks, and finally the Ravens could be a determining factor in their playoff prospects.
Strength of Schedule
While the Steelers have been granted a somewhat lenient schedule throughout the middle of the year, they cannot afford to be complacent. The strength of their schedule escalates dramatically towards the end, particularly during weeks 16-18, which could be decisive for their season. The combination of home and away games, especially against robust teams, necessitates strategic planning and flawless execution.
Key Matchups
Among the critical matchups for the Steelers, the season finale against the Ravens stands out. This game could potentially determine playoff positions and even whether the teams end the season with a winning record. Here are the major key matchups.
Steelers vs. 49ers (Week 1)
To usher in the new season, the Steelers will come face-to-face with the formidable San Francisco 49ers, last season’s NFC runner-ups, at Acrisure Stadium. This inaugural game bears significant historical value as Pittsburgh’s first home season opener since 2014. The pivotal challenge lies in the hands of the upgraded left side of the offensive line, Broderick Jones and Isaac Seamulo, to shield the quarterback Kenny Pickett from the likes of the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa.
Steelers vs. Bengals (Weeks 12 and 16)
Two prime-time matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals in weeks 12 and 16 pose crucial tests for the Steelers’ revamped secondary. With an arsenal of offensive talents like Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, the Bengals inflicted 57 points against the Steelers in 2022. In the face of this explosive Bengals’ offense, it is vital that the Steelers bring their A-game to prevent a repeat of the previous season’s outcomes.
Steelers vs. Jaguars (Week 8)
In week 8, the Steelers square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that made significant strides under the leadership of Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence, becoming a legit playoff team in the preceding season. Historically, the Jaguars have proved to be challenging adversaries, winning three of the last eight encounters with the Steelers. This game represents a golden opportunity for the Steelers to demonstrate their prowess and reclaim the upper hand in their meetings.
Steelers vs. Ravens (Week 18)
The season finale against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 carries an air of anticipation and fierce rivalry. This meeting will mark the third time in five years that the Steelers and Ravens have pitted against each other in the season finale. Depending on the stakes at the time, this game could potentially determine who clinches a spot in the playoffs and who bows out.
Steelers vs. Texans (Week 4)
Lastly, the Steelers encounter the Houston Texans in Week 4. With the Texans having had a rough patch in recent seasons, it might be easy to dismiss this game as an easy win. However, the Steelers must not overlook the potential for an upset, making it essential to secure a victory to avoid a slump against a seemingly weaker opponent.
Predicted Season Outcome
While there are several hurdles to overcome, if the Steelers manage to avoid an early-season slump, they could very well continue their streak of winning seasons. Expect them to be in the thick of AFC playoff contention, possibly finishing the season with a 9-8 record.
Conclusion
The 2023 season presents an opportunity for the Steelers to build on their previous successes and potentially exceed expectations. They have a solid roster, bolstered by a strong offseason, and a schedule that could potentially work in their favor. However, they will need to step up their game, especially in key matchups, and prove that they can compete against top-tier teams. If they do so, we could see the Steelers once again making a significant impact in the NFL.
2022 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule & Scores
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Attendance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Sep 11 | Bengals | W | 23-20 OT | 65,841 | Paycor Stadium |
| Sunday, Sep 18 | Patriots | L | 17-14 | 67,307 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Friday, Sep 23 | Browns | L | 29-17 | 67,431 | FirstEnergy Stadium |
| Sunday, Oct 02 | Jets | L | 24-20 | 66,578 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Sunday, Oct 09 | Bills | L | 38-3 | 70,764 | Highmark Stadium |
| Sunday, Oct 16 | Buccaneers | W | 20-18 | 67,307 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Monday, Oct 24 | Dolphins | L | 16-10 | 66,224 | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Sunday, Oct 30 | Eagles | L | 35-13 | 69,879 | Lincoln Financial Field |
| Sunday, Nov 13 | Saints | W | 20-10 | 66,544 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Sunday, Nov 20 | Bengals | L | 37-30 | 66,401 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Tuesday, Nov 29 | Colts | W | 24-17 | 65,982 | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| Sunday, Dec 04 | Falcons | W | 19-16 | 70,325 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Sunday, Dec 11 | Ravens | L | 16-14 | 66,326 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Sunday, Dec 18 | Panthers | W | 24-16 | 73,548 | Bank of America Stadium |
| Sunday, Dec 25 | Raiders | W | 13-10 | 64,761 | Acrisure Stadium |
| Monday, Jan 02 | Ravens | W | 16-13 | 71,042 | M&T Bank Stadium |
| Sunday, Jan 08 | Browns | W | 28-14 | 65,019 | Acrisure Stadium |
FAQS
The first home game of the Pittsburgh Steelers is against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.
Yes, the Steelers have two prime-time games scheduled for the 2023 season. The first one is on September 18, 2023, against the Cleveland Browns (MNF) at 8:15 p.m. ET, which will be aired on ABC. The second prime-time game is on November 2, 2023, against the Tennessee Titans (TNF) at 8:15 p.m. ET, which will be available on Amazon Prime.
The bye week for the Pittsburgh Steelers is in Week 6, which means they have a break during that week and do not have a scheduled game.
The Steelers will be playing back-to-back away games against the Houston Texans on October 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium, and the following week, on October 8, 2023, against the Baltimore Ravens at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots is scheduled for December 7, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. This game will be aired on Amazon Prime.
Yes, the Steelers have two games scheduled against their division rival, the Cleveland Browns. The first matchup is on November 19, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the second matchup is on September 18, 2023, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium.
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