Steelers AFC North Foe Joe Burrow Dealing With A 'Little More Significant' Injury Than Bengals Are Admitting

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing in debatably the toughest division in football in 2023. The AFC North includes the Cincinnati Bengals, who have played in the AFC Championship game two years in a row, the Baltimore Ravens, who made the playoffs last year, and the perineal offseason darling Cleveland Browns. With the Steelers predicted to finish the season last in the division based on Vegas odds, many national media members aren't giving the Steelers much of a chance in 2023. However, former Steelers veteran cornerback Bryant McFadden isn't buying into the hype of the other teams in the AFC North, specifically that of the Bengals. 

McFadden joined The Cook and Joe Show this past week and predicted his seven teams that he thought would make the playoffs in the AFC. He predicted that two teams from the AFC North would make the playoffs, the Ravens and Steelers. McFadden expressed skepticism on what exactly is being said out of Bengals camp regarding star quarterback Joe Burrow's injury he suffered in the beginning of camp. 

"I think that injury might be a little more significant than what they are telling us. I've strained my calf throughout my time playing and I was back ready to go in like two weeks, if not sooner," McFadden explained as to why it's odd Burrow isn't already practicing with the Bengals again yet.

When the original news came out that Burrow had injured himself, Head Coach Zac Taylor insisted that it would only be a couple weeks that Burrow would be sidelined. However, when questioned earlier this week, Taylor stated that it would be a couple weeks from when he said a couple weeks, which led to speculation that Burrow may not be ready for the start of the 2023 season. 

Steelers have opportunity to start season on top of AFC North with Burrow's injury

With Burrow's injury that may linger into the start of the season, McFadden sees this as the Steelers' opportunity to usurp them in the playoff picture for 2023.

"Of course. If Cincinnati don't get in, then another team will take that spot. But I really like the Steelers in regards to what I saw last year."

The Steelers certainly have a chance to make the playoffs in 2023, but a lot of it will ride on the shoulders of second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett, who went 7-5 in his 12 starts last year, will have the opportunity to truly show what he is capable of in the National Football League. Pickett had an up and down season throughout his rookie campaign, but it's hard to ignore his steady improvement and clutch play when the game was on the line.

McFadden went on to express how Pickett's experience from last year will catapult the team going forward in 2023. 

"Seeing how Kenny finished the season last year, he had more confidence, he has a better understanding of the offense and this is a more talented team than we had in 2022 on both sides of the football field."

McFadden speaks to three extremely valid points. When Pickett was thrust into action in Week 4 last year, he definitely seemed like he wasn't quite ready. The game seemed to be moving too fast for him and he was trying to do a little too much. However, as time went on, Pickett became more comfortable with the offense and really started to trust his young stable of great playmakers. This came to fruition as Pickett led three fourth-quarter comebacks and helped the Steelers finish with a winning record after starting 2-6.

Secondly, Pickett certainly showed a better understanding of the offense as the season went on. Early on in his rookie season, Pickett was trying to push the ball down the field and not let the plays come to him. However, as the season went on, he started to trust in his play-calling and even started to audible at the line of scrimmage based on defensive schemes. 

Lastly, the Steelers have absolutely improved on both offense and defense during the 2023 offseason. The front office identified the offensive line as a weakness and went out and signed Isaac Seumalo and traded up to draft Broderick Jones in the first round of the NFL Draft this year. They also selected future stars on the defensive side of the ball in the second round with the selections of Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton.

Let's hope McFadden's prediction of the AFC North playoff picture is correct. The Burrow injury may be more serious than they are letting on like McFadden says, but the Steelers also have to take care of their business on the field and the rest will play itself out.