With Thanksgiving week here, these four aspects of the team are something that we should all be thankful for as Steelers fans.
Considering the storied history of this franchise, we as Steelers fans have a lot to be thankful for. From the stout history in the ’70s to the rebirth of the team’s dominance in the early 2000s, this team has given its fans so much to remember.
Even now, with the franchise about to enter a new era. Here are four aspects of this team that the Steelers should be thankful for in 2021.
Steelers Cameron Heyward
So much can be said about Cameron Heyward, and all of it is well deserved. Heyward was relatively quiet during his first two years for the team, but he quickly exploded on the scene. He is a complete player, as he can get a push in both the run and pass defense. While it has taken him longer than it should have, Heyward is now being recognized as one of the best interior linemen in the game.
What’s even more impressive is that Heyward was truly a changing of the guard for the team. Before Heyward, a Steelers’ defensive end was tasked with taking up space and opening holes for the linebackers to make plays. The Brett Keisel’s and Aaron Smith’s of the world come to mind. Heyward brought along the next wave of interior players, as he is a force when rushing the passer.
With Heyward at the helm, this line and front seven have entered a new age of pass-rushing excellence. It has paved the way for a player like Stephon Tuitt to be effective as well. While a switch to a more pass-focused defense was inevitable, Heyward blazed that trail for the team. We as fans owe Heyward a huge thank you for helping bring this defense around to a modern force to be reckoned with.
Steelers consistency
Ben Roethlisberger has led the Steelers to the most success that this franchise has seen since their 70’s dominance, but all of that is about to end. With this season likely being the last of his Hall of Fame career though, the team will once again be in a state of transition. While for some teams, this can result in years of issues, the team luckily has a strong front office and a tradition of fielding competitive teams.
Will the team go through a few lean years? Obviously, no team loses a franchise quarterback and rebounds right away. But the team seems to have a decent plan as to what to do. Talks of a veteran quarterback make sense for the team right now, as they aren’t in a good spot to field a rookie. This team doesn’t have the resources to get a top rookie and the offense around him will need a few seasons before it can click.
That said, the Steelers can focus on building a strong team to eventually take on a rookie. This team has been extremely efficient at drafting players. Take a look at their past two rookie classes as evidence of that. The team may not be getting superstars right away, but they are getting solid contributors regularly. That is building a strong future for this team.
Expect a few tough seasons yes, but as long as the team keeps adding talent and building around the current strengths, they should be ok. This franchise won’t make any rash judgments and filter through coaches. Even if Mike Tomlin retires (not likely given his contract and standing with the team) this team will provide ample time for whoever the coach is to rebuild this team better.
Steelers rookie class
One of the best aspects of the Steelers 2021 season has been how great their rookie class has played. From top to bottom, this group has been one of, if not the, best in the league. The fact that both their top picks and their later-round picks, sans Buddy Johnson, have all found ways to play, and most importantly play well.
Starting with Najee Harris, the running back has been as advertised so far this season. While it would benefit the Steelers to lean heavily on the rookie, he has still produced well for the team. Even more impressive has been Pat Freiermuth. Tight ends traditionally have a tough transition to the pros, but Freiermuth has been effective as both a blocker and a pass-catcher. The rookie could be a top tight end in a years’ time.
The top guys are expected to do that in the modern NFL, but the Steelers have gotten serious contributions from their late-round picks. Pressley Harvin has had his ups and downs as a punter, but when he is on, his leg strength is incredible. Isaiahh Loudermilk has stepped up as a reserve as well, and the argument can be made that the rookie has earned more snaps due to his solid play.
The real gem seems to be Tre Norwood, as the seventh-round pick has excelled in the role he has been given. He was playing well as the dime defender, and it seems like he has earned more snaps in the slot going forward. The rookie has been a gem for the team and has a bright future with the team.
Even the rookie linemen have done better than they thought they would. Both Dan Moore and Kendrick Green have had plenty of struggles, but each has positive traits to build off of. This class should be great for the team in the long term. With the Steelers set to rebuild, the 2021 draft class should be the core of this team moving forward.
Steelers T.J. Watt
While the future is bright with this rookie class, the current face of the defense is already on track to be a Hall of Famer. T.J. Watt is on an incredible pace as a player, and he has built off that this season. Despite only playing in eight games so far this season, he has already amassed 12.5 sacks. Best yet, he is only hitting his prime as a player, and should still have five or more seasons of dominant play.
What’s crazy to think about is that the Steelers almost didn’t bite on Watt back when they drafted him. The team seemed ready to draft David Njoku before the Browns moved up in the draft to take him right before the team. Better yet, the Packers, who traded back, were ready to take Watt with their pick before moving back. The Steelers landed him though, and since then he has been the face of this defense.
Moving forward, every fan of this team has to be thankful that they have Watt on their side. He reinvigorated this pass rush and has re-established the Steelers’ defense as one of the best in the league. While the future looks ok due to the team’s consistency and young ascending rookie class, Watt is the reason this rebuild won’t have to be long. Yes, the team has to find their next quarterback, but Watt will help keep this team competitive moving forward.
Even with the Steelers’ ups and downs this season, there is still a lot to be thankful for heading into this Thanksgiving holiday. This franchise is one of the most stable and well-producing ever, and despite the large questions looming, this team can still rebuild and turn around sooner rather than later. So give thanks this holiday season, as the Steelers still have a bright future even with so many questions looming over this team in the future.