The Pittsburgh Steelers entered into the 2024 season with a lot of question marks. Many were concerned about their tough schedule, new quarterback room, and new offensive scheme with Arthur Smith. So far, the Steelers have proved everyone wrong, sitting at 8-2. They’ve turned doubters into believers, with their dominant defense continuing to carry the team while the offense shows signs of growth under Russell Wilson’s leadership. Despite the early skepticism, Pittsburgh has found ways to win, proving that they are a team to be reckoned with this season.

Steelers.com

Steelers QB Russell Wilson and TE Pat Freiermuth at the second week of OTAs.

However, despite the Steelers’ impressive record, there are still lingering doubts. After their gritty Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Pat Freiermuth approached ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin with a question that encapsulated the team’s current status: “How do you like the Steelers now?”

Martin, known for her blunt analysis, did not hesitate to shoot down Freiermuth’s optimism, saying she doesn’t believe the Steelers are good enough to win the Super Bowl. Her comments reflect the ongoing skepticism from some experts and analysts about the Steelers’ potential to go all the way.

“I’m not convinced,” Martin said. “You know why? Because I was in the building when I saw them not score a single touchdown against a Ravens team that was shooting themselves in the foot.”

Freiermuth’s message to Martin was likely a response to the doubt surrounding his team. After a huge win over the Ravens, he took it upon himself to stand up for the Steelers and challenge the skepticism.

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth looks on during a practice in Pittsburgh.

Martin, however, didn’t hold back, telling Freiermuth that while she believes the Steelers are a good team, they’re not quite ready to compete for a Super Bowl just yet.

“Even in that postgame locker room, Pat Freiermuth came up to me and was like, ‘How do you like us now?’ Pat, I think you guys are great. I have said in the preseason, I think, with another season, you guys could win the division. The Super Bowl? No, you’ve got to put more points on the board.”

Many believe this Steelers team has what it takes to make a deep playoff run, but the fact they haven’t won a playoff game since 2016 remains a point of concern. Another issue is their failure to score a touchdown against the Ravens, relying on kicker Chris Boswell’s perfect six-for-six performance on field goals to secure an 18-16 victory.

While that’s a valid critique, it’s worth noting that the offense had been showing significant improvement under Wilson before this game. A gritty AFC North matchup was always likely to feature some offensive struggles, and that’s exactly what unfolded. Still, the Steelers managed to come away with the win, extending their lead in a division many consider the toughest in the NFL.

Steelers Have Raised Their Expectations After Hot Start

The Steelers still have work to do on the offensive side of the ball, but what they’re accomplishing on defense is massive. The special teams unit has also been performing exceptionally well, and with the offense showing signs of life, there’s real reason to believe this team can be special.

Chaz Palla / TRIB LIVE

Steelers’ Arthur Smith talking with QB Russell Wilson during practice.

As the season progresses, Pittsburgh will continue to challenge their doubters and prove they belong among the league’s elite. Anything short of a deep playoff run would be considered a massive disappointment for this talented Steelers squad.