Seriously, a projection of just 8.4 wins for the Steelers this season? That number hit the wires, and honestly, it felt like a punch to the gut for anyone watching this team. Good news though: at least one expert out there thinks that number is absolutely way too low, and he’s talking about a full nine-win season.
The Roster Is Stacked, And So Is the Coaching
Mike DeFabo over at The Athletic isn’t buying that measly 8.4-win projection, and honestly, who could? He’s looking at the same improved roster we are, and he knows this team finds ways to win even when no one expects them to. You’ve got to consider the new blood in coaching too: Mike McCarthy, fresh from the Dallas Cowboys, is running the show for the first time in ages, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is also in the mix. DeFabo sees the big picture, telling us, “The roster is improved and so too should be the play callers.” He’s dialed into key factors like the young offensive line stepping up, how the defense performs, and, of course, if Aaron Rodgers can be the guy in those clutch moments.
Rodgers’ Last Dance: Don’t Count Him Out!
DeFabo’s gut feeling? He expects the Steelers to land “around nine wins,” even putting the over/under at “8.7, rounding up to a nine-win season.” Look, nine wins isn’t exactly a Super Bowl guarantee, but you seriously can’t count Aaron Rodgers out. This is his final year, man! You know he’s gonna leave it all out there. He’s got that MVP-winning swagger, and with this being his last ride, you just know he’s going to make the absolute most of it. The stakes are huge for him personally, and that’s exactly the kind of fuel that can defy any lousy projection.
So yeah, the experts are out there with their calculators, but we’re looking at a motivated squad with a new coach and a legend on his farewell tour. Get ready to watch them blow past that lowball 8.4 projection, because with Rodgers under center and a beefed-up roster, this season is going to be way more than just nine wins of excitement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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