On paper, Steelers don’t seem like a true playoff contender

Despite the return of Roethlisberger, this Steelers team faces one of the toughest schedules. Add in the losses on defense and this team isn’t a playoff team this year.

The Steelers dedicated this offseason to fixing their biggest need: reestablishing the running game. While the additions of Najee Harris, Kendrick Green, and the return of Zach Banner should see this ground attack improve, it doesn’t offset the losses the team suffered elsewhere. Throw in the question marks surrounding Ben Roethlisberger and the odds of being playoff-bound seem even more unlikely.

While the team had their best start ever last season, quite a few things played into that. For starters, their roster was filled with starters from previous seasons. While in a vacuum that isn’t critical, considering there was no preseason and little offseason workout, having that familiarity made it easy for this unit to gel early. Other teams eventually caught up though, and that was when you saw the games get closer and, eventually, the team losing games.

Another key reason this team was as successful as what it was should be attributed to the defensive play. This unit was one of, if not the best, in the league in almost every facet. That won’t be the same this year. While most of the starters are returning, the secondary has taken a huge blow. The losses of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson are hard to overcome. To think that either Justin Layne or James Pierre making this team better in the secondary is silly.

The Steelers aren’t a bad team

What will it take to make the playoffs this year? That’s a good question, as the new 17-game season and the expanded playoffs that were seen last year could ultimately push the team into wildcard territory. That said, with there already being about four teams entrenched atop the AFC and another five or so that are looking to realistically get there, the Steelers will have to prove that they are still a top unit.

At the end of the day, it will come down to how Roethlisberger looks like as a quarterback. No, Roethlisberger won’t play like an MVP candidate. As well, he isn’t going to completely fall off and play like a shell of himself. I couldn’t tell you how good he will be, but he needs to do enough that the new-look run game can get going and put up enough points so the defense can focus on blitzing and creating turnovers.

Looking at the schedule as it is today, I see the Steelers as a 9-8 or an 8-9 team. Could that land them a spot in the wildcard? Possibly, but it won’t be an easy road to get there. This roster is far from horrible, but it took a noticeable step back from last year. Add in the tough schedule and don’t be surprised if the Steelers struggle this season. While I certainly hope to see this team playing football in late January, all signs point to them not making it that far this year.