2017 Pittsburgh Steelers: Super Bowl or Bust

The 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers season ended in New England in disappointing fashion; the Steelers fell 36-17. The secondary was picked apart by future hall fame quarterback Tom Brady and company. Since then there has been some uncertainty about the future of the Steel Curtain. How long will Ben Roethlisberger be the team before retiring? Will Le’veon Bell stay healthy for a full 16 games. How dangerous are the Steelers with Martavis Bryant and a healthy Cam Hayward? Lastly can the secondary players help the Steelers, rather than hinder them? The Steelers are at the point where it is a do or die situation. What do you think?

Uncertainty at Quarterback and Running back

Entering the 2017 season the Steelers had questions to answer, would Ben Roethlisberger return and would Le’veon Bell ever rejoin the Black N Gold? Roethlisberger was the first to come around, one day after losing the AFC Championship, the franchise quarterback had said he was not sure if he would return. Roethlisberger is signed through the 2019 season but was contemplating retirement after the 2016 season. For Steeler fans and the organization, this should be a scary thought as the depth at quarterback is nonexistent. Big Ben decided early in the offseason to return for at this point could be a last ride, all in season. The 14-year veteran understands that his window is closing to win, part of that window is having a dynamic two position running back.

All summer long, the question in Pittsburgh and around the NFL was what was going to happen with Le’veon Bell? Bell, a star both running the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield, was given a franchise tag earning him $12.12 million dollars, yet Bell was absent from training camp and the preseason. This action caught Bell a lot of heat, both from national and local media but let us look at it. For the first time in his career, Bell is entering the 2017 season 100% healthy and able to play. He himself said he did it not because he was upset with the franchise tag, but more he wanted to stay and be healthy for the season. This season being a do or die year for him, Bell is looking at the big picture he realizes this is a brand-new opportunity to prove himself, that he is worth being paid as a #1 running back and a #2 wide receiver. With the mentality of these two being out to prove something, Roethlisberger trying to win one more ring and Bell playing for a contract the offensive side of the ball for the Black N Gold and “Yinzer” nation looks very good.

Welcome back Martavis and Heyward

The Steelers will get an added boost on both sides of the ball, on offense fresh a year suspension Martavis Bryant and his 14 career touchdowns, and Cam Heyward the defensive team captain returning from injury on the defensive side of the ball. Martavis Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 for violating the NFL substance abuse policy following his second violation of the rule. Which means the Steelers were without the 6’4 wide receiver who in 21 career games has 76 receptions for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns. With his return, you can open the offensive threats with a true number 2 receiver opposite Antonio Brown, who can stretch the field for the other offensive weapons in the Steelers arsenal. Bryant can stretch the field and keep defenses in check.  Also returning healthy for the Steelers in the middle of the defensive line is Cam Heyward, who only appeared in seven games before a season ending injury halted what looks to be a promising career for the six-year pro out of Ohio State. In 7 games last season, Heyward accounted for 3 sacks and 17 solo tackles. With the front Defensive line regain its leader the defense in Pittsburgh is poised to return to what was once know as the steel curtain with disruption up front which forces offensive units to become one sided. If the Steelers front seven can cause problems up front, it should be a good year for the defensive unit for the Black N Gold.

Young Linebackers and Improved Secondary

James Harrison enters the season as a backup to the younger unknown Watt and Ross Cockrell is out in the secondary with Pittsburghs addition of veteran Joe Haden at corner. In the draft, the Steelers drafted younger brother of All-Pro JJ Watt, TJ watt since being drafted has done nothing but be impressive. In his first preseason game, he registered 2 sacks and the sky has been the limit since. Earlier in the offseason, linebacker coach Joey Porter had already named him the starter over Veteran James Harrison who famously had the 99-yard interception for a touchdown in the last Super Bowl for the Steelers. To many, Harrison has been an ageless wonder has even been impressed by the young Watt’s performance. Time will tell, but the Steelers seem to have a good young group in the linebackers that can cause a lot of problems for opposing offensive units.
Late in the offseason and preseason, the Steelers needed to address the secondary; they did so in the tail end of the preseason adding, all pro corner and former Cleveland Brown Joe Haden. He will be responsible for most teams number 2 receiver which gives the Steelers two number 1 corners on the field with second year Artie Burns cover the number ones. The Steelers also added help and depth in the safety position trading for JJ Wilcox who can fill in for injured safety Mike Mitchel. All in all, the secondary is 10000 percent better than it was last year entering the AFC championship game.

The 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers have gone above and beyond to prove they are all chips in, Super Bowl or bust this season. Time will tell if they made the right moves and can get over the hump of that team up north in New England. As all roads always seem to lead there. I predict another AFC North title for the Black N Gold. My question for you, is did they do enough to beat New England?

This article is in dedication and remembrance of Chuck Kern 1958-2017. This year is for you Chuck all the best buddy I know you are going to have the best seat in the house for all the games this year!

Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited

References
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/ben-roethlisberger-3595/stats-valuation/
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm