Analyzing the ‘ceiling’ and ‘floor’ for the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are quite the enigma entering the 2021 season. Depending on who you talk to, the team could be a double-digit win team, while other have them pegged to be a double-digit loss team.

The tough part is the fact the honest fan could see this team going both ways. If the offensive line is able to put things together, and they can keep Ben Roethlisberger upright, there is no denying the talent they have at the skill positions. The defense is going to be good, but if they can’t find the answer at cornerback, quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and others will light them up.

It makes you wonder just what the ceiling, the optimist’s viewpoint of the team, and the floor, the pessimist’s viewpoint of the team, would be heading into this season. ESPN recently gave fans the ceiling and floor for all 32 NFL teams, and their prediction for the Steelers, on both ends, was par for the course.

Check it out:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ceiling: 11-6 | Floor: 6-11

Biggest variable: It all comes down to the offensive line. If the group jells quickly — despite limited snaps in the preseason together — and keeps QB Ben Roethlisberger upright while creating space for first-round running back Najee Harris to be effective, then the Steelers will trend more toward their ceiling. But if the young group can’t overcome lingering injuries or be more physical than last year’s subpar group, then a losing season isn’t off the table. A six-win season in Pittsburgh would be an unmitigated disaster for the Steelers; Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season as head coach.

As much as I hate to say it, ESPN hit the nail on the head with this description. The Steelers could be good, and they could be really bad. Only time will tell how this team gels and develops.

But what about the other AFC North teams? How does ESPN view their 2021 season, from a ceilings and floors perspective? Check out what they think about the division the Steelers call home:

AFC North

Cleveland Browns

Ceiling: 12-5 | Floor: 8-9

Baltimore Ravens

Ceiling: 13-4 | Floor: 8-9

Cincinnati Bengals

Ceiling: 10-7 | Floor: 4-13

Clearly, the discrepancy between the top of the top, and the bottom of the bottom is quite distinguishable. Nonetheless, there is a reason they play the games. Will the Steelers band together and make a run? Or will this season be known more for being a disaster? Let us know what your ‘ceiling’ and ‘floor’ are for the Steelers in 2021 in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold.