NFL analyst predicts Steelers' 2024 season to be dramatic: 'Things could certainly get messy'

All of the offseason fodder surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers is about to come to an end.

As we sit on the eve of report day, the 2024 season begins in reality on Thursday when Pittsburgh hits the grass for the first time.

And for the Steelers, there are plenty of questions to be answered on the offensive side of the ball, though we know the answer at the QB position .

So while the optimism is high in 412, according to USA Today , things could get messy in Pittsburgh, and fast.

Steelers' 2024 season to be dramatic?

Heading into his 18th season at the helm, we know HC Mike Tomlin won’t be associated with a losing ledger. But while these Steelers appear more formidable following the acquisitions of QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, plus what might be this year’s most enviable class of rookies, things could certainly get messy as Arthur Smith installs a new offense for an organization attempting to get back to its hard-nosed roots – all while also trying to determine whether one of its new quarterbacks, with disparate skill sets and experience, is the answer for 2025 and beyond even though neither is signed for next season. And coming out of their Week 9 bye, the Steelers hit the road five times in a seven-week span. Pittsburgh hasn't finished in last place since divisional realignment in 2002, but there’s a first time for everything – last year being the first in the Super Bowl era when an entire divisional membership (AFC North) finished above .500. Déjà vu? - Nate Davis, USA Today

It's fair to be skeptical on the outlook of the Steelers when analyzing the AFC, and more specifically, the AFC North. Boasting the hardest division in the NFL yet again, Pittsburgh will have to scratch and claw to stay above .500 and away from the cellar in the division.

Many aren't bullish on Pittsburgh accomplishing that, predicting Pittsburgh to make history for all the wrong reasons in 2024.

But what if it all goes to plan? Other than the WR position, it's hard to argue that the Steelers aren't deep at every other offensive position and we know they have both the coordinator and assets to run the ball how they want.

Someone has to shock the NFL world, and maybe it's the Steelers in 2024. Fans just hope it's in a positive manner.

Related: Analyst says the Steelers are getting it all wrong with Justin Fields: 'He's more than a scratch-off ticket'