NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers Record Prediction 2020
Pittsburgh Steelers Record Prediction 2020
2019-20 Season
Mike Tomlin does not get nearly enough credit for his ability as a Head Coach. Even with all of the injuries he put together a team that was looking very dangerous late in the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers had no right winning 8 games with Mason Rudolph under center. Ben Roethlisberger returning from injury plays a huge role in my Pittsburgh Steelers record prediction, but ultimately it is the overpowered Steel Curtain defense that has me so high on the Steelers.
Offense
It’s shocking to hear all the hate directed at Ben Roethlisberger. Whether you love or hate the Steelers, you have to admit that he is a massive upgrade from Mason Rudolph. It was only 2 seasons ago that he threw for over 5000 yards. I don’t think he is in his prime, but he is a proven winner who I believe will transform this roster into a double digit win team.
Juju Smith-Schuster had a very disappointing 2019 season, but this passing offense was abysmal. He will be Big Ben’s favorite target. Entering his contract year he will be playing for that massive payday. I was very close to including him on my prediction for the top 10 best wide receivers next season.
As for the other receivers, Diontae Johnson looks to improve on a solid rookie year. They will likely have the 3 receiver set including Juju, Johnson and big bodied Chase Claypool. At this point I have given up on James Washington. They also added Eric Ebron who will find a role in the receiving game.
There were a lot of speculation about the Steelers drafting a running back early in the draft, but they waited until the 4th round to draft speedster Anthony McFarland. He will fit a pass catching role as James Conner will retain his workhorse role. Conner struggled with injuries last season, but I think he is a nice sleeper going into next season. If he can be anything like his 2018 self, this offense will operate much more smoothly.
The Steelers still have a top 10 offensive line in the NFL and they will look even better with a capable Quarterback and rush attack behind them.
Defense
This defense is lights out. There was a brief period where the Steelers were offense dominated, but that is no longer the case. While I think Big Ben will improve the offense, this team will live or die by their defense.
The only 2 players they lost were Javon Hargrave and Mark Barron. Every other piece on this young defense stays the same. They will be even better than last season.
I loved the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick last season. Even with Big Ben out for the year, Mike Tomlin traded for a player that he knew would drastically improve the team. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a playmaker and has the supporting cast around him to take those calculated risks that result in 6 points the other way. He is one of the shining stars on this young defense.
But the leader for this young defense is T.J. Watt. Last season was his coming out party as there were talks of him winning the defensive player of the year.
With all that being said, every great defense needs a solid veteran presence. Both Cameron Hayward and Joe Haden had another great season. While they are on the back end of their career, they provide leadership that quantifies outside of their statistics.
Final Thoughts
This is still a defense first team, but the big turnaround will be on offense. Big Ben will make this offense much more efficient leading to a bounce back year for both Juju and James Conner. I’d be shocked to not see the Steelers in the double digits for wins next season.
Other record predictions for the 2020-21 season:
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
