As the 2024 NFL season comes to a close, I’m taking a hard look back at my preseason predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Which picks did I nail, and which ones did I completely whiff on? Let’s dive in and find out!
The Ones I Nailed
1. T.J Watt’s Dominant Season: I predicted that TJ Watt would bounce back from an injury-plagued 2023 season and record double-digit sacks. Watt delivered, finishing the season with 12 sacks and earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
2. Najee Harris’s Resurgence: I forecasted that Najee Harris would rebound from a disappointing 2023 season and become a top-10 running back in the league. Harris responded with a career-high 1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
3. George Pickens’s Breakout Season: I predicted that George Pickens would emerge as a top target for Russell Wilson and finish the season with over 1,000 receiving yards. Pickens delivered, hauling in 78 receptions for 1,042 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The Ones I Whiffed On
1. Russell Wilson’s Struggles: I predicted that Russell Wilson would lead the Steelers to a playoff berth and throw for over 4,000 yards. Unfortunately, Wilson struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, throwing for just 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.
2. The Steelers’ Defense: I forecasted that the Steelers’ defense would be a top-5 unit in the league. However, the team struggled to stop the run and ranked just 15th in total defense.
3. The Steelers’ Record: I boldly predicted that the Steelers would win 12 games and make a deep playoff run. Yeah, that didn’t happen. The Steelers finished with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
4. Pat Freiermuth’s Breakout Season: I predicted that Pat Freiermuth would emerge as one of the top tight ends in the league and finish the season with over 800 receiving yards. Unfortunately, Freiermuth struggled with injuries and finished the season with just 500 receiving yards.
5. The Steelers’ Running Game: I forecasted that the Steelers’ running game would be one of the top units in the league, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren forming a dominant duo. While Harris had a resurgent season, the Steelers’ running game as a whole was inconsistent and ranked just 20th in the league.
There you have it, folks! My 2024 Steelers predictions were a mixed bag. While I nailed some picks, I whiffed on others. I’ll strive to do better next season!
