Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the Pittsburgh Steelers 2013 season and what they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
-4
Pittsburgh’s turnover differential in 2013. This stat is one of the best indicators of a team’s performance—committing turnovers will lose you games, and you will miss out on the playoffs, simple as that. Not surprisingly, the Steelers were on the outside looking in during January, and their inability to force turnovers on defense is much to blame. To put it in perspective, no Steeler had more than two interceptions individually. The addition of former Panthers safety Mike Mitchell, who had four picks last season, should help, but the Steelers need to pick up a ballhawking corner in the draft as well. Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert would be ideal, and Mel Kiper had him going to Pittsburgh as a first-rounder in his latest mock draft.
9
Number of rushing touchdowns by Steelers running backs in 2013, ranking 25th in the league. The lack of scoring power via the ground was a symptom of Pittsburgh’s lousy rushing attack overall—the unit ranked 28th in total yards. With Jonathan Dwyer no longer in Pittsburgh, the team will be expecting second-year back Le’Veon Bell to step up and emerge as a top-tier player at the position. Bell showed flashes in his rookie season, but the addition of a veteran through free agency would be a good safety plan. James Starks is set to visit the team on Wednesday; he would be a great fit to play second fiddle to Bell.
113
Combined reception total of receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Jericho Cotchery in 2013. The Steelers relied on this duo to complement Antonio Brown, but they will need to find another way to balance the passing offense after Sanders departed for Denver. Cotchery is also a free agent, and it is unclear as to whether or not he will return to Pittsburgh. The bottom line here is that the Steelers need a new receiver. James Jones, Sidney Rice, and Danario Alexander are the best free agent receivers available on the market. But instead of adding a veteran, it might be a better idea for Pittsburgh to build the position through the draft. If Texas A&M’s Mike Evans is available when the Steelers are on the clock at #15, don’t be surprised if they nab him.
27.5
The average age of a defensive player on the Steelers after the addition of Mike Mitchell. This is an improvement from last year’s age of 29.2, showing that Pittsburgh is in the midst of a youth movement on defense. Well, they need to keep it up. Several key starters are getting up there, including corner Ike Taylor (33), safety Troy Polamalu (32), safety Will Allen (31), and corner William Gay. Expect the Steelers to invest in some young secondary players on May 8th, with Justin Gilbert being at the top of the wish list. Later in the draft, in the second or third round, the team should think about picking a safety like Jimmie Ward or Deone Buchanon.
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