ESPN analyst: 'I wouldn't be stunned' if Steelers win AFC North this season

It's understandable that many are down on the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers as it pertains to their chances of making the playoffs. 

Unlike Tom Brady, future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger legitimately retired for more than just six weeks, and the Steelers are seemingly preparing to name former Chicago Bears castoff Mitchell Trubisky as Roethlisberger's immediate successor over career backup Mason Rudolph and rookie Kenny Pickett.

This isn't to say the Steelers are without talent. Running back Najee Harris finished his debut pro season fourth among all players with 1,200 rushing yards and could be on track to receive a historic number of touches, and first-year wide receiver George Pickens may already be better than advertised. It's also worth noting that Pittsburgh's pass-rush matches up well versus just about any offensive front. 

Nevertheless, The Athletic's Austin Mock recently wrote that the Steelers' odds to win the AFC North are at 7.6% during the preseason. Meanwhile, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Pittsburgh a 9% chance to win the division. 

Per Lucas Campbell of Steelers Depot, television host and analyst Mike Greenberg offered a bold prediction for the upcoming campaign during Wednesday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up" program. 

"I think the Steelers have more than a playoff-ready defense," Greenberg explained. "They have a running back who I think is ready to be as good as any in the NFL. The offensive line has to get at least a little bit better. Their receivers I think are elite, and I think the QB play is actually going to be better, whether it's Trubisky or Pickett. 

"I think the Steelers are not only going to make the playoffs. I wouldn't be stunned if they win that very competitive division this year." 

It also doesn't hurt that the Steelers have Mike Tomlin, who is, at the very least, a top-10 head coach in the NFL today who has never endured a losing season. 

"Mike Tomlin, all he knows how to do is win," former player and ESPN personality Sam Acho responded to Greenberg's comments. "So for me, seeing them make the playoffs last year, even with Big Ben struggling, I think they're going to find a way to be on the fringe, right? I don't think it's way off. I think it's more playoff than way off." 

For the Steelers to play meaningful January football, Tomlin and company must get the quarterback decision right this summer. As things stand today, that would mean Trubisky proving many people wrong throughout the fall months.