Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' roster was ranked by ESPN as 14th best in the NFL before training camp. The obvious strengths and weaknesses with T.J. Watt and the pass rush being elite along with the questions about off-ball inside linebackers. But the biggest question about the team is how much can the offense improve with Kenny Pickett and a young offensive core? If the Steelers improve to be one of the better teams in the NFL, the offense will be the key to balance the potential of an elite defense.

But among the 13 NFL rosters ranked ahead of the Steelers, 9 were in the AFC. If the season plays out that way, the Steelers would miss the playoffs. But there are several reasons why the Steelers could improve past the other AFC teams ranked ahead of them.

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Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'Soul Kick' by Ceddy P, and 'Too Easy' by Nerdboy. Both from their label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

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