Steelers Nation gathers at Hibernia bar every game day to cheer on the black and gold. We love our team even when the going gets tough. But our young Steelers are showing promise, and it gets the Steeler Nation in a celebratory mood.
You know what they say about when the going gets tough, right? The tough get going. Well, no one is tougher than the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s time to get excited Steeler Nation!
Things are improving. Young Steelers showing promise including rookies, second-year players, and new additions are making a place for themselves and finding their feet. You can count on the team to improve this season and finish strong- here’s why.
The Pickett to Pickens Connection
A football team’s long-term success depends heavily on the quarterback and his chemistry with his offensive weapons. For Pittsburgh Steeler’s quarterback Kenny Pickett, there is no greater weapon than George Pickens and they have plenty of chemistry.
University of Georgia product Pickens is a former national champion, but he had a rough start in the league. He only recorded two receptions in his first two games.
Things have changed now. In late November against the Bengals, Pickens had four receptions, one for a touchdown and three others, each for a first down.
Each week, Pickett becomes a better and stronger player, and his connection with his good friend Pickens grows.
2021 Steelers Draft Class
In the first three rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Najee Harris from Alabama, Pat Freiermuth from Penn State, and Kendrick Green from the University of Illinois. All three have struggled but are growing as professional players.
Najee Harris
Running back Najee Harris had a stand-out rookie season. The two-time former national champion was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and won a spot in the Pro Bowl. However, Harris has gained a lot of muscle since last year. He has not learned to fully manage his new physique and his production has suffered.
As the season progresses, Harris is finding his way. He started the season averaging only around three yards per run. Now he is closer to five yards per run, culminating in two touchdowns in week 11.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Pat Freiermuth
Former Nittany Lions All-Conference player Pat Freiermuth had a solid rookie season. He racked up seven touchdowns in his first season with only one fumble.
This year, Freiermuth has only scored once. You shouldn’t be worried, though. He has nearly matched his production from last year in terms of receptions and yards. In fact, his average yards after the catch has improved from 8.3 to 11.
The dip in his production is likely a result of Pickett’s inexperience. As the young quarterback continues to grow, the whole offense including Freirmuth should see an increase in production.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Kendrick Green
When Kendrick Green was drafted out of Illinois in the third round, there were high hopes for him. He was the starting center in his rookie year.
Obviously, the Pittsburgh Steelers team wasn’t pleased with his performance as they brought in veteran center Mason Cole and guard James Daniel. Without being a starter or having the ability to play multiple positions, Green hasn’t seen the field this year.
What you need to know about Green is that he is putting in the work behind the scenes. He still provides the team with depth on the offensive line. He will likely be back on the field next year or this year if injuries require it.
Pittsburgh Steelers New Look Secondary
Cam Sutton is in his sixth season with the Steelers. He might be the only part of the secondary that fans recognize.
Minkah Fitzpatrick was a new addition to the Steelers a couple of seasons ago. He has had 14 picks in his time with the team, three of them already this year.
The secondary was only made stronger with the addition of Levi Wallace, who is another one of the young Steelers showing promise this season. In his short time with the Steelers, he has already had three interceptions and a total of 32 tackles.
The sky is the limit for this ball-hawking secondary.
Join Steeler Nation at Hibernia Bar
Are you ready Steeler Nation? This isn’t just a rebuild, it’s a return to greatness. Don’t miss a single snap of it! Join Steeler Nation at the best Steeler Bar NYC – Hibernia Bar, to cheer our Pittsburgh Steelers on to victory.