Steelers defense will help Trubisky get comfortable early this season

Adjustments at the quarterback have kept the Steelers in the headlines during the off-season. Will defense help Mitchell Trubisky’s transition begin smoother than expected?

Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement was unavoidable but unexpected. An impressive late-season surge propelled the Steelers into playoff contention. Out of gas, Pittsburgh made an early post-season exit.

While Roethlisberger adjusted to life on the sidelines, the Pittsburgh front office performed surgical moves. Their acquisition of Mitchell Trubisky led analysts to believe the franchise found its new starter. An announcement from Head Coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday confirmed the off-season rumors.

With opening week upon us, the Steelers will prepare for each game individually. Injuries and suspensions could increase Pittsburgh’s chances of starting the season on a positive note.

Steelers Week 3: Deshaun Watson is out due to suspension

Divisional wins are important, and the steelers cannot afford to lose many this season. Two AFC North exhibition matches will test Tomlin’s squad early. Pittsburgh’s first game will be on the road in week one. Defeating Joe Burrow will be difficult, but the Steelers can overcome it. On September 22nd, the Steelers will travel to Paul Brown Stadium to face the Browns.

Facing the Browns will be tougher than years before. A change under center does not help Pittsburgh gain an advantage, but a stout defense could help sway the odds. Cleveland’s quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss his third game of an eleven-game suspension – giving Pittsburgh’s defense an edge against backup Jacoby Brissett. Consecutive wins against Kevin Stefanski’s club should add to Pittsburgh’s momentum.

Steelers Week 4: Zach Wilson makes his sophomore debut

A return from injury will increase Pittsburgh’s chances of consecutive wins. A knee injury cost New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson four weeks of the season. A delay in his debut will force the sophomore gunslinger to find his timing with new receivers against a stellar Steelers defense. Additions like Myles Jack and Levi Wallace increase Pittsburgh’s pass defense. Avoiding a pass rush from T.J Watt and company will add more difficulty to the week four challenge.

Robert Saleh’s new weapons make the week four match-up a must-win for Mike Tomlin’s team. Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Sauce Gardner add depth to a developing Jets roster. High expectations of their leader under center make the Jets a perfect sleeper team. Wilson’s rookie debut left room for improvement – starting with facing the Steel Curtain.

Starting on the right foot is important for a team working with a new face at quarterback. Taking advantage of mismatches will become a big part of Pittsburgh’s winning game plan. A stout defense will help Trubisky develop as the leader of the men in gold – spreading the hope of a winning season.