Steelers News: The Steelers quarterback situation is better than last season

It has been a one-of-a-kind offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Unable to attend most player pro days and participating in the NFL’s first virtual draft, the Steelers keep pushing forward toward a return to football activities. Just because the NFL has cancelled the 2020 Hall of Fame Game and cut the preseason games down to two doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at the Steelers quarterback room this season compared to 2019.

Let’s get to the news:

• In what ways is the Steelers quarterback situation better in 2020?

Steelers better equipped at QB compared to 2019

By: Jeff Hartman, DK Pittsburgh Sports

2019 wasn’t a good year for quarterbacks who donned the black-and-gold. Whether it was Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow failing him in Week 2 vs. the Seahawks, Mason Rudolph’s tumultuous season which included an ugly concussion and the brawl vs. the Browns, or Devlin Hodges failing when it mattered most, last season was one to forget.

Could the Steelers’ depth at the quarterback position be better in 2020 compared to 2019? How could it be? It didn’t even change.

But it could be better, and I think it will be better, based on one thing, experience.

The primary names on the depth chart haven’t changed, but a few have been added. Players like Paxton Lynch, a former first round pick who was signed last season to be QB3 on the depth chart, and J.T. Barrett show up on the list of names, but few are giving them a chance to make an impact this season.

Let’s be honest here, this entire discussion hinges solely on one thing, and that is the health of Roethlisberger’s elbow. Mike Tomlin was asked about Roethlisberger’s elbow during his virtual press conference last Tuesday, and this is what he had to say.

“I will say this, it is hearsay because I have not witnessed his workouts. I have communicated with him consistently throughout. He is comfortable and pleased with where he is. Some of the people that have had the opportunity to work out with him have been impressed and pleased with where he is. The medical experts are comfortable with where he is in the rehabilitation process and his overall readiness for 2020. All of those things being said, I am comfortable with where he is.”

This isn’t to suggest Tomlin would ever publicly state of Roethlisberger suffered a setback, or the organization isn’t confident in his ability to return to full health, but everything said about Roethlisberger’s road to recovery has been positive. And this is paramount not just when talking about the quarterback depth chart, but the overall success of the team.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Bill Cowher reportedly confirmed his illness in March was coronavirus

Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher reportedly tests positive for coronavirus antibodies

By: Zach Brendza, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Bill Cowher likely had coronavirus, according to The Athletic.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee told the outlet that he and his wife Veronica Stigeler had experienced coronavirus-like symptoms in March.

Cowher and Stigeler weren’t tested when they had symptoms, according to The Athletic, but they tested positive for antibodies in April. Antibody tests gauge whether someone has the antibodies associated with the virus, meaning they have had it or have been exposed to it.

“The NFL Today” analyst believes they might have had coronavirus because they were “under the weather” for a time.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Previewing the Steelers Week 3 matchup with the Houston Texans

Countdown to 2020: The Texans

By: Mike Prisuta, Steelers.com

Date: Sept 27
Time: 1 p.m.
Venue: Heinz Field
All-Time Regular-Season Series: Steelers lead, 4-2.

Last Meeting: The Steelers enjoyed a Merry Christmas in Texas when they traveled to Houston and beat the Texans, 34-6, on Dec. 25, 2017, at NRG Stadium. The visitors led 20-0 at halftime and 27-0 after three quarters. The defense registered seven sacks against two Houston quarterbacks (T.J. Yates six times, Taylor Heinicke once), including three by CB Mike Hilton.

Last Season: Houston went 10-6 and finished first in the AFC South. The Texans ranked 13th in total offense (ninth rushing, 15th passing) and 28th in total defense (25th rushing, 29th passing). Houston beat Buffalo in an AFC Wild Card game, 22-19, in overtime, and lost to Kansas City in an AFC Divisional Round game, 51-31, both at home. The Texans had a 24-0 lead before being outscored, 51-7, in the final two-and-a-half quarters of their playoff loss to the Chiefs.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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