Right as the next NFL season is set to officially begin, Steelers fans can either optimistically dream of Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger and friends raising a seventh Lombardi Trophy on the stage at MetLife Stadium, or they can sit anxiously and await kickoff Sunday and every other game with reservations and angst and pessimism. Both outlooks are bound to elicit conversation and there are valid arguments for either school of thought. While a Super Bowl run would be perhaps a surprise to many, we should not forget what the quarterback and the defense, among others on the roster, have accomplished not so long ago. There is certainly potential, but also many questions and so much hinges on good health and good fortune, as it does for virtually every team at this point in a season.
September is in full swing and for 16 of the next 17 weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be battling for the right to extend their season into the playoffs and a trip to Super Bowl XLVIII. Their schedule sends them to eight cities, including the usual trips to Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, as well as a special transatlantic visit to London (to play Minnesota) prior to the Week 5 bye week. They will battle the AFC East (home vs. Buffalo, Miami and away at New England and New York), the NFC North (home vs. Chicago, Detroit and away at Green Bay and Minnesota), and host Tennessee and visit Oakland in non-divisional match ups.
Fellow writer Drew Brown and I have watched the preseason games, analyzed the rosters, counted our blessings and made a few bold (and not-so-bold) predictions for the black and gold and the season forthcoming. We invite your predictions as well below in the comments section. Be bold and call out that 16-0 season and a Super Bowl MVP for Ben Roethlisberger, or maybe be a little more realistic in your approach. Also, in the short-term, enjoy the season-opening tilt between AFC contender Denver and defending-champion Baltimore this evening.
Andy Drew
Steelers W-L: 8-8 9-7
AFC North Standings: Cincinnati (11-5) Cincinnati (12-4)
Baltimore (10-6) Baltimore (11-5)
Pittsburgh (8-8) Pittsburgh (9-7)
Cleveland (7-9) Cleveland (6-10)
AFC Championship: Denver over Cincinnati Denver over New England
NFC Championship: Seattle over San Francisco San Francisco over Atlanta
Super Bowl: Denver over Seattle (28-23) Denver over San Francisco (27-20)
It was a general consensus that Peyton Manning will put together another strong season and, this time, get past the Ravens, Patriots, and the rest of the AFC to have a shot at another Super Bowl victory for Denver. Once there, we each like different NFC West powers to meet them, only to fall to Manning, rookie running back Montee Ball, and newcomer Wes Welker.
But what about the Steelers who will try to bring Pittsburgh back to supremacy? Here are three guys we each think will be difference-makers to compliment the usual contributors. Their success could make or break Pittsburgh in 2013-2014. Here we go…
LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB
The former Pitt Panther returns to Heinz Field as a member of its NFL tenant, and while we did not exactly light it up in four years with the Arizona Cardinals, he provides Todd Haley’s offense with a dangerous combination of size (or lack thereof) and speed. At about 5’7″, he is the type of guy who can get lost in the backfield and, before the defense knows it, he’s gone. Also, watch for his impact on special teams returns.
Markus Wheaton, WR
Not many fans knew who Wheaton was coming into the season, but those who followed the preseason closely understand he has the potential to break out in his rookie season. Slated behind Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders in the wide receiving corps might open up some opportunities for the rookie out of the slot position, and a healthy Ben Roethlisberger can make Wheaton into another steady receiver and favorite target.
David DeCastro, G
The first-round selection in the 2012 draft was among many injured offensive linemen for the Steelers last season when he tore ligaments in his knee in the preseason. He returned late in the year and started three games, but his readiness for Week 1 vs. Tennessee provides a fresh start to his career as he is looked to help create holes for the running game and keep Ben upright.
Steve McLendon, NT
While being blocked out of an opportunity for so long due to the presence of Casey Hampton, the nose tackle McLendon will finally get his first full shot this season. In limited opportunities with the Steelers last season, he stood out when it came to shutting down the run. Don’t expect that to change.
Jason Worilds, LB
Coach Tomlin recently announced that Worilds will be starting the opener this Sunday against Tennessee. While he and top draft pick Jarvis Jones fought for the spot throughout the preseason, it appears that Worilds will start the season out at the position, with Jones being mixed in for different schemes and defensive approaches. The fourth year man out of Virginia Tech has not gotten many opportunities, similar to McLendon, and he finally a chance to prove himself these first couple weeks.
Cortez Allen, CB
Cortez is in his third season as a Steelers and this will be his first with a stranglehold on a starting job. He will be opposite Ike Taylor and will be asked to shut down most opponent’s number two receiver. In his backup role last year, as well as time on the field this preseason, Allen has proven to be a playmaker and a bit of a ball-hog. He should compliment Taylor and the safeties Clark and Polamalu very well in Dick LeBeau’s defense.
