Mike Tomlin: Changes coming to Steelers after disappointing seasonhttps://t.co/jlyD9Yar20 pic.twitter.com/ct4HGzKUS8
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 3, 2019
Pittsburgh have endured an exodus of key players in the off-season, leaving the club with a rebuild ahead of the 2019 season. Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell have departed in acrimonious circumstances. The front-office staff have enjoyed success turning over the roster in previous years; although, given the age of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, surrounding their key man with talent is more important than ever.
The Steelers have possessed one of the most talented rosters in the NFL over the last five years. However, it has not produced the ultimate success on the field. The looming presence of the New England Patriots in the AFC Conference has halted Mike Tomlin’s men. New England have won three of the last five Super Bowls, enjoying the success that has eluded the Steelers since their last triumph in the 2008 campaign.
Worryingly for Pittsburgh, not only will they face a challenge from the Patriots once again to reach the Super Bowl from the AFC Conference, they’re now going to be embroiled in another bitter battle for the AFC North division. The Baltimore Ravens rose to the occasion last term to beat out Tomlin’s men for the crown. The Cleveland Browns are the consensus in the NFL Picks to rise up this term, emulating the Los Angeles Rams’ achievement in the NFC West in recent years from being basement dwellers to Super Bowl contenders.
Distractions have been a major issue for Pittsburgh over the last two years. Bell missed the 2018 season, sitting out the term after refusing to sign his franchise tender. Although Pittsburgh did not miss his production on the field as James Conner was outstanding out of the backfield, an injury to the running back late in the campaign proved to be costly.
Now that Conner can settle into the role of the primary back without the uncertainty regarding Bell, the 24-year-old can make the position his own and kick on from his impressive performances in the last campaign. Pittsburgh may need a back-up to ease the burden, as the Steelers and the Rams have discovered, as running backs can only take so much punishment throughout the term. There are a number of quality backs in the 2019 NFL Draft that the Steelers can select in the latter rounds. Stanford’s Bryce Love, Ohio State’s Mike Weber or Miami’s Travis Homer could fit the bill.
JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner: The Future of the Pittsburgh Steelers? – https://t.co/ZgH93EalTx pic.twitter.com/4myh7QUlgF
— LWOS RADIO (@LWOS_Radio) March 11, 2019
Following Brown’s trade move to the Oakland Raiders, Juju Smith-Schuster will take over the role as the number one receiver. Brown was outstanding on the field, although he was high maintenance off of it. He finally forced a move from the club, while taking a few parting shots along the way. Smith-Schuster is a quality heir to Brown’s throne. Meanwhile, James Washington will have to take steps forward in his second season in the NFL after a quiet first term.
There are quality options in the lower depths of the Draft. Deebo Samuel, Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin could all be options, and they would have time to develop behind Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief and Washington.
The pressure on Roethlisberger will be eased next term, as well as the atmosphere around the team. They can finally have a clear focus to challenge the leading outfits in the conference rather than firefighting locker-room dramas. However, the offensive heirs have to rise to the occasion to keep the club in contention in the AFC.
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