The Steelers 2020 season opens amid a lot of questions, and a lot of pressure on the offense after a dismal 2019 season where the defense had to carry the team to an 8-8 record.
With Ben Roethlisberger set to return and what looks to be the best defense since the Steelers were playing in Super Bowls supporting him, the Steelers have a real chance to compete for the Super Bowl if the offense can find success.
In preparation for the 2020 season, Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner held a virtual interview with the Pittsburgh media. The news started with Fichtner giving the impression that the Steelers quarterback was ready to throw a football around Heinz Field again.
According to Randy Fichtner it looks like @_BigBen7 will throw today for the first time @heinzfield since early last season.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) July 29, 2020
It truly is, #BensDay https://t.co/yBnPfzgwWU
While that is obviously good news, and Fichtner is glad to have the Super Bowl champion quarterback ready to start camp, they will be proceeding with caution.
Today from #Steelers Camp at @heinzfield, we're getting to hear from Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) July 29, 2020
"Naturally we have to get a feel for where he's at" - Randy on Ben Roethlisberger. Add in terms of Ben's #SteelersCamp schedule, they're going to play it by ear.
Steelers OC Randy Fichtner on working with Ben Roethlisberger during camp: "There's times when he's going to want it all and we'll have to back him off. And that's a good thing."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2020
Randy Fichtner also discussed the addition of new quarterbacks coach Matt Canada and what he can help bring to the Steelers offense in 2020.
Fichtner on new QB coach Matt Canada: "When it comes to ideas, thoughts, things that you can bring to the table every week, what he can bring to the table that might be different in that room is going to be fun to see and develop."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2020
Fitchner also addressed the addition of new wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard and how he looks forward with working with him.
Randy Fichtner said he spent a month with Ike Hilliard before PA shut down, talking and learning. Says he's really excited about his ability to connect and coach with young guys. "I'm ecstatic."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2020
Another point Coach Fichtner addressed was the two new receiving options the Steelers added in the offseason. The Steelers used both avenues to add to their offense by drafting wide receiver Chase Claypool and signing tight end Eric Ebron in free agency.
Randy on if they can use Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron together: I think it automatically puts yourself in that position. Now again, availability is the biggest issue when you play that position. You have to be able to play it as a race car and also like a Ford truck, too.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) July 29, 2020
With some added depth at skill positions and the Steelers star quarterback looking healthy and in great shape, Randy Fichtner is going to have an incredible opportunity and challenge to get the most out of this offense as the Steelers continue their quest for a seventh championship.
While fans will have access to much less news from this training camp compared to the volume of information that was taken away from St. Vincent college in other seasons, the focus on how this team prepares for the season will be even more intense.
If the Steelers offense sputters, the first person fans are likely to blame will be Randy Fichtner. So far he has avoided making any predictions or setting scoring per game goals, and is keeping things vague and optimistic.
But one thing is clear, in this crazy offseason and unprecedented approach to training camp necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Steelers will be looking to their returning quarterback to return this team to the Steeler standard of looking to compete for a Super Bowl every year.
Randy Fichtner on the few things they can have that are normal right now:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 29, 2020
"It's normal now with Ben Roethlisberger back in the huddle."
This is the kind of normal we can all be happy for.
As always, stay tuned to Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest Steelers news.