What are Reasonable Expectations for Mike McCarthy in year one with the Steelers?

The Steelers would be in a much better position now if they had started a full rebuild in 2022 after Roethlisberger's retirement instead of trying to have the best possible season each year, even though the team's ceiling was very low.

They also rushed to draft a QB in the first round in 2022, and that didn't help.

Of course, my 5-12 prediction is a bit too low, especially since we're going to play against the very weak NFC South, so our record could be inflated because of that, like in 2022 when the Steelers went 4-0 against the NFC South in a 9-8 season.

 

"What are Reasonable Expectations for Mike McCarthy in year one with the Steelers?"

McCarthy is stepping into a franchise that has gone a little stale.
The roster isn't horrible, but it is not great either.
The worst issue is QB for the 5th year.

I think anything more than 6 wins is a bonus this year. (as of this moment)

Wild Cards:
- If one of the QB's (Howard, Allar or even Mason) prospers in this new system.

 

Another positive for MM. He wins in his divisions.

NFCE; 0.666%
NFCN; 0.702%

 

they couldve had Jordan Love or Hurts in 2020 if they didnt trade their first round pick for Minkah. Thats preparing for the future. Thats just after Ben hurt his elbow in 2019. That was the beginning of the end for him.

 

They actually could have Hurts in the second round. They passed on him to take Chase Claypool.

 

Drafting a QB early would have been an admission that an era was over. Rooney has a very hard time with moving on from the known and familiar. This was evident with both his QB and his HC. Couldn't bring himself to make a change.

 

Only six wins? That’s the ceiling you’re giving Pittsburgh? Sorry, but P.T. Barnum said it best. There’s a sucker born every minute. I’d love to find someone willing to actually bet on that.