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

The Pittsburgh Steelers are ready for their week 1 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. But looking at Kenny Pickett and their roster, the Steelers have too many breakout players to fail in 2023. Though, success won't mean a Super Bowl this year, it will mean becoming real NFL contenders again. But with George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, DeMarvin Leal and a revamped offensive line, the Steelers have enough breakout players that if some of them don't work out, enough of them being successful would make the Steelers' offense a real threat.

But also, the Steelers' defense is a group that knows its identity and still has its core of stars ready to go with T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Alex Highsmith all healthy and ready to go. The defense also has their breakout players as well who can make the defense an elite, full complementing group.

Finally, Chris Carter goes over his early look at what to expect from the Steelers week 1 schedule leading up to their game against the 49ers. What to expect from Mike Tomlin's press conference? Will Larry Ogunjobi be healed in time for Sunday?

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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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