Still Curtain
FanSided

4 reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers could improve in 2019

By Wyatt Krehbiel

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Strong Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 04: Strong Safety Terrell Edmunds #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Every NFL team heads into training camp full of hope for the future. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception. They finished the 2018 season at 9-6 and failed to make the playoffs – a fate they hope to avoid in 2019.

To do that they will need to improve as a team. Here are four reasons why the Steelers could improve in the 2019 season.

1. The addition of an every-down linebacker

The biggest difference for the Steelers defense in 2019 will likely be the addition of a player that can play a similar role to the one Ryan Shazier used to hold. Devin Bush was drafted out of Michigan to play that role. He is fast for a linebacker and can play sideline to sideline. Bush can drop back in coverage as well as rush the passer as a blitzer.

In all likelihood, Bush won’t be as good of a player as Shazier was but will have a big impact on the team’s defense. The Steelers need a guy that can stay on the field and impact a game in different ways from the linebacker spot and they traded up to acquire Bush because they believe he can do that.

2. Less drama surrounding the team

The issues surrounding Pittsburgh last season have been well documented at this point. Fortunately for fans of the team, the two players that appear to be at the heart of the issue have moved on. Losing players of the caliber of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown is hard to spin in a positive direction, however, a more unified locker room and less negative media attention can only be seen as a positive.

On top of that Bell didn’t play at all last season as part of a contract holdout. Brown and Bell are both great football players but the team has an opportunity for a fresh start that could provide a boost next season.

3. An improved defensive secondary

The Steelers secondary hasn’t been a strength of the defense since the days of Troy Polamalu, and Ike Taylor. It may not be a strength next season either but there is hope that it won’t be a weakness either.

Pittsburgh signed Steven Nelson this offseason and drafted Justin Layne to strengthen their cornerback room. They also have a pair of young safeties in Sean Davis and Terrell Edmunds who should continue to improve.

4. A career year from Bud Dupree

One Steelers outside linebacker is a rising star in the league. T.J. Watt lead the team with thirteen sacks last season and appears poised to maintain that pace. On the other side of the field, there are questions, however.

dark. Next. Injuries remind us how quickly the Steelers season could be over

Bud Dupree has been a solid player but not the elite pass rusher Pittsburgh hoped he could be. He has shown flashes and has all the physical tools entering a contract year. The team has shown faith in him by picking up his fifth-year option and not making any big moves this offseason to find his replacement. Now it’s time for him to step up in a big way if he wants to get paid.

Home/Steelers News