Are the Steelers underrated entering the 2021 season
By Scott Long
Despite sitting as the reigning AFC North Division Champions, many are looking past the Steelers in favor of the Browns and Ravens.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Pittsburgh Steelers were not only viewed as the class of the AFC North but also as a legitimate Super Bowl contender while sitting at 11-0. Since then, the Steelers went 1-4 in their final five remaining games and fell to the Cleveland Browns 48-37 in the Wild Card Round. After a rough end to the season, many began to question whether the team was good as their record suggested and if they had the capability of making it back to the playoffs this season.
Despite some key losses the Steelers still have a future Hall of Fame quarterback under center, one of the most dynamic wide receiver groups in the league, and arguably the league’s top defensive unit. After being overlooked in favor of the Baltimore Ravens before the season last year, the Steelers jumped out to an 11-0 start, so don’t be surprised if the team comes out with a chip on their shoulder this season.
Success vs. Competition
While the concerns are warranted, particularly after losing several key players this offseason to retirement and free agency, this team is much better than they are being given credit for. The Browns and Baltimore Ravens are both legitimate contenders as well, but let’s not forget the Steelers swept Baltimore last season, and split with the Browns, despite not having Ben Roethlisberger active for one of the games.
Not only did the Steelers sweep the Ravens last season, but they have been one of the few teams in the NFL who seems to be able to slow down Lamar Jackson. In his career against the Steelers, Jackson has thrown five interceptions and fumbled five times in two starts and four appearances. Despite Jackson’s struggles against the Steelers, many still consider the team as inferior to the Ravens.
As for Cleveland, despite the loss to them in the Playoffs, the Steelers are 25-3-1 against the Browns with Ben Roethlisberger under center in his career. Despite a talented roster, while the team is an unquestionable contender, the team should not overlook the Steelers, who could easily make a run at the division this season, or at the very least earn a wild card berth.