The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced adversity for many years when it comes to their players. This year, however, the task could prove to be much more difficult.
Heading into the start of the regular season, the Steelers are without several key components of their offense. Legendary (and fan-favorite) tight end Heath Miller retired, running back Le’Veon Bell will miss the first three games with a suspension, and wide receiver Martavis Bryant will miss the whole season with a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
On top of the empty holes to fill, the Steelers don’t have the strongest depth at the quarterback position. Ben Roethlisberger is clearly the starter, but there’s always injury worry with him, and his backups are less than impressive. Landry Jones, who had an inconsistent preseason to say the least, is listed as Roethlisberger’s backup, while Zach Mettenberger, who was recently claimed off waivers from the San Diego Chargers, is the team’s third-string quarterback.
The Steelers have their holes to fill with their wide receivers, and they have the depth to do so. With the Bryant suspension, it’s time for Markus Wheaton to step up more than he did last season. The Steelers also have Darrius Heyward-Bey, Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers. Rogers is the only new wide receiver in that group.
At tight end is Jesse James, Miller’s replacement. James won the starting position when the Steelers Matt Spaeth was released in the offseason. Jones cemented his position as the team’s top tight end with Ladarius Green out of commission with an injury. David Johnson, a former Steeler who was signed again this offseason, is a solid backup for James and can bring a veteran presence.
The running backs also have a new addition in their group. With Bell suspended for the first three games, DeAngelo Williams will once again take the reins of the Steelers’ run game. Backing him up will be Fitzgerald Toussaint, while the fourth running back is Daryl Richardson, a former St. Louis Ram and New York Jet.
The offensive line is one area that stayed consistent from last season — and that’s a big bonus for Roethlisberger. Alejandro Villanueva, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster and Marcus Gilbert are the same starters as last year. Cody Wallace is also there in case if of injury.
The Steelers strove to righten up their backfield in the NFL Draft, taking Artie Burns and Sean Davis in the first and second rounds, respectively. However, neither player are listed as starters. Ross Cockrell earned the start after a consistent regular season last year and a solid preseason this year. William Gay will line up on the other side of Cockrell. The Steelers have Robert Golden and Mike Mitchell listed as their starting safeties.
The Steelers have one of the top linebacking corps in the NFL. With James Harrison, Jarivs Jones, Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier and Arthur Moats, the linebackers bring back memories of the legendary Steel Curtain defense. Add in defensive linemen Cameron Heyward, Javon Hargrave and Stephon Tuitt, and Pittsburgh has a defense that will make any opposing quarterback cringe.
Kicker Chris Boswell impressed last season, notching him the starting position this year, which will be nice after a tumultuous start at the position last year. Last season, Shaun Suisham tore his ACL in the Hall of Fame game. He was then replaced by Garrett Hartley, who suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason. Josh Scobee then came in and didn’t produce, which led the Steelers to signing the young Boswell.
Greg Warren remains the Steelers’ long snapper, and Jordan Berry earned the start at punter for the second year in a row.
With all the suspensions and injuries, the Steelers still have a lot of depth. Nonetheless, the Steelers will have a difficult season.
However, I predict the Steelers will win the AFC North again. If the Steelers can hold up against tough teams like the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s no reason why Pittsburgh can’t win its division. The Steelers also have predictably easy games against the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.
Prediction: AFC North Champions (12-4 record)
Image credit: Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports
