4 reason the Steelers could decline in 2019
Recently, I took a look at the reasons why the Steelers could improve. Now it’s time to look the other way and analyze circumstances that could lead to regression.
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 9-6-1 and failed to make the playoffs – a fate they hope to avoid in 2019.
Recently I took a look at the reasons the Steelers could make that improvement. Now it’s time to look the other way and analyze circumstances that could lead to regression.
1. Struggle to replace offensive production
Antonio Brown has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL the past few years. He has averaged over 1,500 receiving yards per season over the past five years. Juju Smith-Schuster appears poised to take over the Steelers number one receiver role, but that doesn’t fill the hole across from him.
On top of that, the Steelers allowed tight end, Jesse James, to walk in free agency. James was never a star but he was a serviceable pass catching option for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense. Pittsburgh needs production in 2019 from the group of second-year wide-out James Washington, and newcomers Diontae Johnson and Dante Moncrief. A healthy season from Vance McDonald and James Conner will be crucial to pick up where he left off last season.
2. The locker room concerns remain
The biggest story-lines of the Steelers 2018-2019 season were mostly regarding off-the-field antics. Le’Veon Bell’s contract dispute finally ended when he signed a free agent deal with the New York Jets. Antonio Brown was sent to Oakland after he expressed his unhappiness with the Steelers organization.
With Bell and Brown gone, Steelers fans hope the off-the-field drama for the team is over. If Brown wasn’t the only player unhappy with Ben Roethlisberger, however, it could continue to permeate the locker room. Head coach Mike Tomlin has his work cut out for him to ensure a much more team-oriented culture in 2019 or the results could be even worse.
3. Age finally catches up with Big Ben
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s occasional retirement musings are the only hints we have seen that his age could be a big factor in the near future. Ben turned 37 this year. Although he plays a position with a comparatively long NFL life span, anyone in their late 30’s is considered old by professional athlete standards. To be successful, the Steelers need elite play from their franchise quarterback. If Ben begins to decline at all, it seriously limits the team’s upside.
4. Injuries
The most obvious thing that could cause the Steelers decline next season would be injuries. Every NFL team suffers injuries throughout the course of the season. The teams with the best luck when it comes to injuries and the best depth tend to have the most success.
Ben Roethlisberger’s best case and worst case scenarios in 2019 for Steelers. dark. Next
The Steelers have to avoid the injury bug next year and keep key players healthy or they will be looking at a steep decline in their win total next season.