Ryan Shazier gives bold take on 2023 Steelers

It feels as though everyone is either very high or very low on the 2023 Steelers with no in between and former LB Ryan Shazier is not part of the latter.

"I just don't see the Steelers being the worst team in the division. A lot of people just don't see it right now," Shazier said. "I think they can win 10 or 11 games, maybe 12. I think that they're gonna mess around and catch a lot of people by surprise at the end of the season."

Shazier's take may be surprising to some as many believe Pittsburgh will be at the bottom of a very competitive AFC North come season's end. 

As a former Steeler, he may be a little biased, but the team did have an offseason to remember under general manager Omar Khan, who made the team more active than ever.

Shazier's win prediction for Pittsburgh is far from a long shot as the team has never had a losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers won nine games in 2022. 

So, a couple more wins shouldn't be out of the question with second year QB Kenny Pickett expected to improve and a better offensive line with the additions of veteran guard Issac Seumalo and first-round pick left tackle Broderick Jones.

Pittsburgh's season will come down to its success within the division. If the Steelers don't finish at least .500, they won't be a double-digit win team.

But if Pittsburgh has the year Shazier and others believe it will, the Steelers may just reach the postseason for the first time since the 2021 season.