In the NFL, injuries simply happen, and the teams that avoid key injuries usually have the most success. Not all injuries are equal, and though some will hurt a team’s depth or force them to scramble to replace a starter here or there, losing certain players can change the entire outlook of a season.
The Carolina Panthers lost star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to a season-ending ACL injury in a training camp practice on Wednesday, and suddenly, their status as favorites in the NFC South is in doubt.
Could the Steelers shake off a similar loss in 2015? Let’s take a look at some players the Steelers can least afford to lose:
#5–William Gay (tie)-Yes, I took the easy road here by picking two players for the five spot, but cornerback William Gay was simply too deserving not to include on the list. Despite of only having nine career interceptions in eight seasons in the NFL, Gay has quietly been the Steelers most reliable corner the past two seasons. Gay has played various roles in the secondary, including as a slot cornerback along with as a full-time starter on the outside.
Last year Gay’s value was never higher as he stepped up when starters Ike Taylor and Cortez Allen struggled both with injuries and game performance. Gay had three interceptions last season, a career high, and also returned all three picks for touchdowns. This included a pivotal pick-six against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. Question marks in the secondary still dog the Steelers this season, but Gay is the one player the Steelers know they can rely on as a cover corner.
#5–Cameron Heyward (tie)-Heyward was drafted in 2011 to be the next great Steeler defensive end in the mold of Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel. After a relatively slow start in his first two seasons, Heyward has become one of the best players on the Steelers defense and tied for the team lead in sacks with 7.5 last season. The Steelers clearly feel that Heyward is a key part of the future after signing him to a six-year, $59.25 million dollar contract extension this off-season.
Heyward also adds leadership to a defense that is devoid of the veteran presence it was accustomed to having for many years. With new defensive coordinator Keith Butler expected to utilize the defensive ends in the pass rush more than his predecessor Dick Lebeau, it’s not impossible to think Heyward could push towards double digit sacks this season.
#4–Lawrence Timmons- Timmons was finally rewarded last season for being one of the top inside linebackers in the game with his first trip to the Pro-Bowl. In terms of leadership as the quarterback of the defensive unit, the Steelers have long understood the value of Timmons, and at 29, he should be ready to continue playing at an exceptional level.
Though the Steelers have tremendous depth inside with Sean Spence and Vince Williams as backups, the ability of Timmons to make all the calls for the defense can’t be understated. Additionally, Timmons can do it all; he’s great against the run, solid in pass coverage and more than capable of pressuring the quarterback when asked. Nobody is more valuable on the Steeler defense than Timmons.
#3–Antonio Brown- The mere fact that one of the best players in the NFL can only get to third on the list tells you all you need to know about the Steelers offense. In fact, I would be willing to argue that Antonio Brown is the best wide receiver in football, and his remarkable numbers the past two seasons make that argument pretty easy.
Coming off one of the greatest seasons ever by a wide receiver (129 catches, 1,698 yards, 13 touchdowns) Brown heads into 2015 ready to continue making opposing defensive backs look foolish. Add the fact that Brown has been one of the better punt returners in the league and his value only increases.
#2–Le’Veon Bell- If you ever needed to see how valuable All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell was to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, look no further than the playoff contest against the Baltimore Ravens that he missed with a knee injury. With Bell out, the Ravens were able to focus on the Steelers passing game and limit the offense as a whole. You could make the argument that the Steelers were the better team in 2014, but without Bell, they watched the Ravens advance on their home turf.
Bell might be the best overall back in the league today. With over 2,200 total yards from scrimmage and 83 catches last year, Bell is the consummate do-everything running back. What’s scary is Bell just turned 23, and it’s not a stretch to think he has several more years where he is capable of playing at this incredible level. The Steelers will miss Bell for the first two games of the season, and it will be interesting to see how the team deals with his loss.
#1–Ben Roethlisberger- The evolution of Roethlisberger as a quarterback has been amazing. Though much was made of the relationship of Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, it’s hard to deny that “Big Ben” has ever been better than he was last season. Just missing the 5,000 yard plateau, Roethlisberger completed 67 percent of his passes and tied a career high with 32 touchdowns.
With a young defense that looks like it might have some growing pains this season, a healthy Roethlisberger is clearly the biggest key to the Steelers having success. Add the fact that the Steelers have serious questions with back ups Bruce Gradkowksi and Landry Jones, and losing Roethlisberger for any stretch of time would obviously be devastating.
Photo credit: LA Times
