Call it a bold take or just flat out call me insane, I thoroughly believe this version of the Pittsburgh Steelers team is destined for greatness. The fact of the matter is, the Steelers have improved their roster ten fold and its members have bought in 100%. Offense, defense, special teams, and coaching are all teetering on elite status, which is something almost no other team can say.
On paper, the defense is the best unit in the NFL, and the Steelers’ best since 2008. In 2019, this group almost dragged a pitiful offense to the playoffs, leading the league in sacks and turnovers along the way. With the addition of punter, Dustin Colquitt the defense should also see some extra breathing room with longer punts in 2020. I, for one, am excited to see opposing offenses have to consistently drive 85 yards against The Steelers’ defense. Factor in a much more capable offense that should string together longer drives, and it means fresher defenders with longer fields behind them. Teams will struggle to put points up against the Steelers.
Offensively, nothing is bigger than the return of Ben Roethlisberger. Reports out of training camp have given glowing reviews of Roethlisberger’s arm. By all accounts ,if Roethlisberger can return to his 2018 form the Steelers’ offense might be as potent as its defense. The targets Roethlisberger will be targeting are vastly improved from 2019. Out with Donte Moncreif, Ryan Switzer, and Johnny Holton and in with Eric Ebron, Chase Claypool, and Ray -Ray McCloud. Not to mention the trio of Diontae Johnson, James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster are another year wiser. The running back depth chart is also deeper, and the offensive line is returning almost every player again. The cherry on top is the addition of Matt Canada who will add an influx of motion and play calling creativity to the offense.
On Special teams, the Steelers discovered how Diontae Johnson is a threat to take punts to the house, and jitter-bug rookie Anthony McFarland Jr. should prove to be an upgrade on kick returns. Chris Boswell was much more consistent in 2019 and looks to carry that into 2020. Speaking of consistent, punter Dustin Colquitt has been one of the most consistent punters in football the past 15 seasons.
Finally, the coaching staff, no matter what you think of them, has been one of the longest tenured groups in the game. The familiarity they bring to the players is a factor that doesn't get mentioned enough. Imagine playing for the Browns and have to learn a brand new offensive system every season. At this point, nearly every Steelers veteran should have mastered the play book and have a much greater chemistry with teammates than most teams in the NFL.
So I'm speaking it into existence, the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers will be Super Bowl 55 champions. Anything less would be an extremely disappointing year. That’s right, it’s Super Bowl-or-Bust...again.
What do you think? Do you agree with my thoughts? Let your thoughts be known down in the comments below!