Have the Steelers achieved their offseason goals?

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of objectives they looked to accomplish this offseason. Have they achieved their offseason goals?

The Steelers brass knew well enough that something needed to change this offseason. After Pittsburgh’s locker room was in shambles and the Steelers started to become a mockery, it was time for serious changes to take place.

Kevin Colbert and company decided to move on from 4-time All-Pro wide receiver, Antonio Brown. Joining him out the door was another former All-Pro – running back Le’Veon Bell.

However, with talented former Steelers joining other rosters this offseason, Pittsburgh made it a point to add a variety of talent of their own.

In a recent article from ESPN, staff writers broke down the offseason goals of each NFL team. They ranked their teams success as elite, above average, average, or too soon to tell. The Steelers received the ‘above average’ tag for their efforts. Here is what Jeremy Fowler wrote on the matter:

"Offseason goals: Cleanse the locker room of headaches, identify supporting players on the edges (receiver, cornerback) and solve the inside linebacker problem once and for all. Receiver Antonio Brown had to go, and now the locker room can focus on cohesion. Receiver Donte Moncrief and cornerback Steven Nelson are reliable free-agent additions at reasonable costs. Trading up for linebacker Devin Bush could give Pittsburgh a defensive leader for the next decade."

The Steelers achieved the goals that Fowler refereed to, but will it be enough?

Obviously, the addition of Devin Bush should help the Steelers out exponentially. They were also able to rid the locker room of the the two greatest distractions (though they lost talent in the process.

Fowler continued with the ‘biggest questions still to be answered’ for the Steelers:

"Biggest question still to be answered: How do the Steelers replace two All-Pros in Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell? This question dominated Pittsburgh’s offseason, and the answer is found under center. Ben Roethlisberger said he’s excited about his batch of weapons, but the onus is on Big Ben to make it work without two players who dominated the ball. The Steelers need him to have one of his best seasons — maybe an MVP-type performance — to re-enter the playoff race."

Part of Fowler’s biggest question has already been answered. Le’Veon Bell has been replaced for a year now. The Steelers actually saw an increase in running efficiency, and more touchdowns on the ground in 2018 than they saw during the entire Le’Veon Bell era in Pittsburgh.

I am confident that the combination of James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, and Benny Snell, will be able to handle to the load in the backfield. Replacing Antonio Brown, however, is an entirely different matter.

The Steelers have  been one of the best teams at drafting the wide receiver for some time now. While it still remains to be seen, perhaps James Washington, Diontae Johnson, or Donte Moncrief could help replace some of Brown’s production.

While the receiverposition is likely an area on the team that has gotten worse in a matter of months, there are other that sure to see improvement.

The Steelers cornerback and inside linebacker situations both stand to see improvements in the coming season. Devin Bush was as good of a linebacker prospect that has come into the NFL in recent years, while Steven Nelson and Justin Layne should prove to be quality additions to the secondary.

Realistically, it still remains to be seen how effectively Pittsburgh has completed their offseason wish-list. We will find out soon enough just how well the Steelers did restoring this once broken football team.