The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has undergone a significant transformation. All three quarterbacks from the 2023 roster have departed, paving the way for the arrival of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Adding to the roster, standout linebacker Patrick Queen has joined, complemented by a cadre of some under the radar wide receivers. Cordarrelle Patterson’s arrival coincided with changes to kickoff rules, further bolstering the squad. As the Steelers head into 2024, they emerge as a markedly different team, widely regarded as stronger.
Mark Kaboly has emphasized Omar Khan’s pivotal role in these changes. Nonetheless, he urges Steelers fans not to overlook the contributions of Mike Tomlin in orchestrating the offseason improvements. Kaboly broke it all down in his article on The Athletic posted on Thursday.
“You can’t disregard what Tomlin has meant to this, either. He is an 18-year veteran head coach who, all of a sudden, has had to adapt to the way the business around him is being done.”
Beyond Tomlin’s adaptation, Kaboly highlights Rooney’s significant stake in the matter. The Steelers have adhered to a longstanding approach since their inception in the NFL. Now, with changes underway, it’s evident that Rooney, the ultimate decision-maker, has sanctioned this evolution.
“But nobody has more to lose than Rooney. His family had done it one way since the inception of the franchise, and now the team has pretty much done a 180. He didn’t have to give his approval. He could have been stubborn and stuck with the, ‘This is the way we have always done it’ mantra, but to his credit, he realized that he was not getting the job done anymore.”
Rooney shared insights with Kaboly regarding the offseason adjustments. Early on into the offseason, Rooney expressed dissatisfaction with the Steelers’ playoff contention status, signaling a commitment to improvement. Many Steelers fans didn’t bat an eye at those comments. However, when they saw real change, things started to believe him.
“I think every year, we try and figure out: How do we get better, and how do we get better as quickly as possible?” Rooney said. “I think that the bottom line is to try to get better as quickly as possible. It’s been a busy offseason. I like where we are so far.”
The offseason has garnered widespread acclaim for its success. The Steelers managed to secure two starting-caliber quarterbacks at minimal cost, a significant coup. While the trade of Diontae Johnson left a small void in the offense that requires attention, the team made notable improvements on defense and bolstered their coaching staff with a host of new hires.
Both Tomlin and Rooney have acknowledged the need for assistance in plotting a postseason trajectory, and their proactive measures reflect this understanding. With anticipation soaring in Pittsburgh, expectations for the 2024 season are sky-high.
Steelers’ Art Rooney II Has A Lot On The Line
Since assuming majority ownership in 2017 after his father Dan Rooney’s passing, Rooney has presided over a Steelers team that has struggled in the postseason. While they’ve maintained success in the regular season, they’ve lost the aura of invincibility that once characterized them in the NFL. The Steelers have become a more vulnerable opponent, lacking the intimidating presence they once possessed.
Rooney recognizes this reality, which is why he has embraced significant changes. Kaboly acknowledges that Rooney could have resisted the sweeping changes orchestrated by Khan, but instead, he has welcomed them. He’s accepted the blame and acknowledged the need for change, a stance that Kaboly believes merits considerable credit from Steelers fans.
Whether Steelers fans choose to acknowledge Rooney’s contributions remains uncertain at this point. However, one undeniable truth persists: if the Steelers enjoy a successful season and secure a playoff victory, many will be eager to offer Rooney the praise Kaboly believes he merits. Rooney has taken a gamble by deviating from his family’s traditional notions of success in the NFL. The outcome of the 2024 season will ultimately determine if this gamble pays off.
