The Pittsburgh Steelers have extended their NFL leading record to 10-0. The fact that this team was able to rebound from an 8-8 2019 and turn out a performance like this, is a testament to how this team drafted, developed, and brought in players. However, having a number of players which either bounced back from injury or improved greatly upon some poor performances pushes a great team to being an elite team. The following five players ability to play better than anyone thought they would is a massive reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-0.
Honorable mentions: Ray Ray McCloud, the Steelers return ace has been electrifying after being a late camp addition. Vince Williams, The veteran inside linebacker looks like he’s 2018 Vinny again. The entire 2020 draft class, the Steelers rookies are all out paying their draft placement. Every member of the 2020 class has received playing time and are graded amongst the top their individual positions amongst rookies.
5. Cameron Sutton
The fourth year corner has come into his own in 2020. Sutton is an extremely talented cover-man and is developing a nasty streak to his game. Sutton is leading the Steelers in forced fumbles with three and also picked up an interception. Sutton has also knocked down four more passes and has been close to snagging a couple of other interceptions. Sutton has raised his level of play, and can play any spot for this secondary making him one of the most valuable depth pieces the Steelers have.
*Also shoutout to Justin Layne who has looked pretty good in a bigger role in his second season. The future of the Steelers corner position is bright.
4. Tyson Alualu
Remember when losing Javon Hargrave was supposed to completely change how the Steelers play defense? Or what about how up in arms Steelers fans were that the organization never brought in a nose tackle? Well Tyson Alualu has made those conversations disappear completely after the first game. The eleventh year pro might just be playing the best season of his career. In an expanded role Alualu has been one of the best run stuffing defensive lineman in the NFL.
3. Alejandro Villanueva
There was a point in the 2020 offseason where I was calling for the Steelers to make a move to improve its left tackle depth behind Alejandro Villanueva. Villanueva was coming off the worst season of his career having to play against virtually all of the top pass rushers the game, with quarterbacks that didn't know what they were doing. A bounce back was inevitable for the man they call Big Al. However, ten games through the year and Villanueva is yet to allow a sack, and has returned to the Pro Bowl level he was playing at in 2018. Big Al was tasked with Keeping Ben Roethlisberger upright and he's past with flying colors thus far.
2. Terrell Edmunds
Well how many people were blindsided by the emergence of Terrell Edmunds? The third year safety was being written off as bust just a few short months ago and now, he's the man the Steelers call on to go man up against the oppositions top target and he's winning. Edmunds picked up a couple interceptions against the Jaguars for his troubles. The Steelers finally have a pair of elite safeties since the days of Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Terrell Edmunds is balling out and I think all of Steelers nation owes this man an apology.
1. Ben Roethlisberger
Who else could it be? Most of Steelers nation would probably admit they were at least a little bit concerned about the health of Ben Roethlisberger. And what has he done? Only put up the most efficient stats of his career, and guide this team to a perfect 10-0 start. Roethlisberger deserves more praise for this season then what he has received. I fully believe he should at least be recognized in the NFL MVP discussion, especially for how he flipped the script on the Steelers record, and proved how valuable he is. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers they will be Super Bowl contenders.
That's the list! Did I miss anybody? Tell me who and why down in the comments below!