The Steelers offense is primed for a big year, but there are still some bold predictions about what could shape this unit’s future.
After a disappointing season from the Steelers offense, this unit appears to be set to rebound in 2020 with Ben Roethlisberger returning to the helm. Retooled and sprinkled with potential stars, the Steelers offense has some serious firepower and could surprise some people who are still sleeping on them. Most analysts don’t expect much from the unit, but training camp reports are hyping the offense as a potential problem for defenses.
While this group will likely be good in 2020, just how good they can be is harder to answer. While starters like JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner are likely to rebound from their injury-plagued 2019 campaigns, there are still questions marks on the offensive line that need to be answered. That considered, this group should be far better than it was last year.
Coming up with bold predictions for the group is difficult, as the unit seems to be pretty set on paper. However, many players are just an injury away from suddenly being thrust into a prominent role. As well, regression and progression of players can lead to new opportunities that weren’t present before.
While these bold predictions are far from guarantees, each has a realistic shot of happening. As well, they aren’t all positive nor all negative, instead of containing a mix as certain players will and won’t meet expectations. All of that said, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers offense in 2020.
James Washington is held scoreless
James Washington had a strong season in 2019, as he finally developed as a deep threat and was a consistent target for both of the backup QBs. While his role isn’t likely to diminish, his red-zone production could. For starters, as a deep threat, Washington doesn’t have Mike Wallace like speed, instead of using his great hands and body placement to win deep. That may lead to big plays, but it doesn’t translate to long TDs necessarily.
As well, with the drafting of Chase Claypool, Washington could lose out on red-zone snaps if the Steelers opt for the taller and more physical receiver. Washington is meant to go deep and get big plays; Claypool is better suited to go up and make the contested catch in the red zone. As well, Claypool is the better blocker (given his size, that should be expected), meaning he can serve multiple roles in the red zone.
While Washington being held without a score all season is bold, it shouldn’t shock anyone if he only scores once or twice. Expect him and Roethlisberger to connect on a few deep balls, but don’t expect to see all of those end with Washington in the end zone. While his yardage and yards per receptions should be similar to his 2019 numbers (if not better), his scoring opportunities are likely to decrease. He seems poised for a good season yardage wise, but his upside in the red zone isn’t there.
Kevin Dotson finds himself as the starter
Kevin Dotson seems like a cut and dry prospect on paper: a mauling run blocker who needs to work on his pass blocking technique. However, his early camp reports have come back positive, as he has been seen moving the likes of Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt around. If that is indeed true, Dotson could be in line to starter sooner than later.
The big issue is who is currently slated to start in front of him. Matt Feiler is flexible and talented, and it would be an upset if Dotson took over for him in the season. Feiler was solid at RT last year though and given the uncertainty of the two options fighting to start there right now, it isn’t unthinkable the Steelers move Feiler back to RT and let Dotson start at OG.
Dotson could ascend to starter in two ways realistically. First off, if he has been as dominant in camp as reports have said, the team could opt to let him start right away and let Feiler move back to RT. If the Steelers want to be more cautious, they could leave Feiler at OG, and if the RT play begins to be an issue, move Feiler to RT and allow Dotson to start. Don’t be surprised to see Dotson get more playing time than expected, and all Steelers fans should be excited to see him start down the road.
Vance McDonald proves to be better than Eric Ebron
After the Steelers signed Eric Ebron this offseason, Vance McDonald has become almost a forgotten option for the offense. While Ebron should be a viable red-zone option, McDonald is a much more complete TE. That said, he has struggled with injuries, a fact that aided in his disappointing 2019 season. However, McDonald will be able to share snaps with Ebron this year, which could lead to a large bounce-back year for the TE.
Think back to 2018, when McDonald posted an impressive 50/610/4 stat line, he had only played 51 percent of the snaps as the Steelers also had Jesse James getting playing time. The team will likely have a similar snap share this year, and even if McDonald plays less overall snaps than Ebron, he should be maximizing those snaps by being healthy when he is on the field. This could lead to similar numbers as he had in 2018.
While Ebron will do his damage in the red zone and will likely score more than McDonald, don’t be surprised to see McDonald get more receptions and yards. While the two should complement each other, McDonald could walk away with a better overall stat line in 2020. Considering both are likely playing for their job in 2021, this could lead to McDonald staying on the team and Ebron being a cap casualty.
Chase Claypool leads rookies in TDs
While Chase Claypool is the fourth receiver on the depth chart, his recent reports from camp have been hyping him as a real weapon for the Steelers. While he likely won’t ascend to starter this year, he can be a real weapon in the red zone. If he is truly developing like the reports have claimed that he has, Claypool could lead all rookies in TDs. While it will depend on his playing time, Claypool could quickly become the go-to option inside the 20.
Over the past three years, the top rookie WRs in the NFL have logged 8, 10, and 7 TDs, meaning Claypool will need at least 7 to likely contend for this. Considering the influx of WRs from this class though, it will likely have to be closer to 10. Claypool will have to be more than just a red zone option in 2020 to take this crown. Considering how common injuries are and the fact he has looked so promising, Claypool could see a larger role as the season goes on.
WRs typically take off after about midseason, so if Claypool could log 2-4 TDs before then, he could explode in the latter half of the season. Take former Steelers Martavis Bryant’s rookie season, where he caught 7 of his 8 TD’s after midseason. If Claypool could mimic this trend, he could easily eclipse double-digit TDs by season end. If he does, don’t be surprised if his scoring numbers top all rookie WRs.
Benny Snell takes over as the starter
Steelers Nation better be ready for some Benny Snell football, as the former fourth-round pick appears primed for a good season in 2020. While he will start the year as the primary backup, based on his talent and camp reports, he could ascend to a full-time starter this year. While it would initially take an injury to Conner for Snell to start, he very well run away with the role if given the opportunity.
Now, it’s a safe bet that Snell will start a few games this season to replace an injured Conner, but if Snell dominates in those games, what happens when Conner returns. The Steelers would be wise to hand the reigns to Snell if so, as his durability and physical running style are more suited to a bell-cow back. Conner, on the other hand, would be a solid changeup, getting fewer carries but being healthier when he actually does carry the football.
Again, it is a safe bet that Snell is the lead back in 2021, but he could ascend sooner than that if his arrow continues to point up. Snell looks the part of a starter, and his development has sounded promising. While Conner won’t disappear from the offense, Snell could take his spot as bell cow by seasons end.
While the Steelers offense will surely rebound from 2019, there are quite a few bold predictions that could come true for the unit. Some players will disappoint, others will surprise, but no matter what, this offense will be an intriguing unit heading into 2020.