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In an interview with media before practice on Tuesday, Steelers tight end a Vance McDonald spoke extensively about the Steelers offense and what they can do in the upcoming season. As reported by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, McDonald seas the Steelers’ offense as one in the top of the NFL for 2020.
Vance McDonald: "I just don't see how our offense can't be super productive and be one of the top offenses in the NFL.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 18, 2020
Of course, the Steelers offense was one regarded as being in the top of the NFL just a few seasons ago. But after a 2019 season which only saw quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seeing action in six quarters before exiting for the season, the offense sputtered throughout the remaining 14 games.
But now Ben is back. And according to McDonald, Roethlisberger is hungrier than ever and his hunger has become infectious as reported by NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala.
#Steelers TE Vance McDonald says he’s never seen such “hunger for winning a championship” from Ben Roethlisberger. He believes the year away, hurt, sharpened the QB’s desire, and says there’s a “trickle down” effect: “Guys are just flocking to him.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) August 18, 2020
Not only is Roethlisberger back, McDonald believes he is “all the way back” from his elbow surgery in September.
Vance McDonald says Ben Roethlisberger is "all the way back. For sure."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 18, 2020
Of course, the return of Ben Roethlisberger is one thing to spark the offense. But McDonald also believes he is a part of another position group which will help put the Steelers offense over the top in 2020. McDonald also believes that newly acquired tight end Eric Ebron was the missing piece the offense needed and he’s looking forward to what he brings to the field according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com and ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
Vance McDonald said everyone is going to thrive with Eric Ebron on the field and what he brings. He said he is having a lot of fun with him out there.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 18, 2020
Vance McDonald had a big catch over Edmunds yesterday, and I asked him if he did anything differently in training. Said he told Ebron yesterday: "You were the missing link. ... Eric's the missing piece. Expect me to dunk on everybody this year now that we have Eric on our team."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 18, 2020
There is a lot for Steelers fans to be excited about when it comes to the team for the 2020 season. After the defense re-emerged as an elite group in 2019, there is much to be expected on that side of the ball. But between the return of Roethlisberger, the addition of Ebron, and the high praise cornerback Joe Haden gave of rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool, there is a great chance the Steelers offense could get back to elite status as well.
Make sure you are tuning in to Behind The Steel Curtain for our 2020 Traing Camp Confidential for continued coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 training camp.