Even the most ardent, head in the clouds Steelers fan will admit, this hasn’t been the best of seasons. Between injuries, suspensions, and underperforming – Pittsburgh has lost several games they should have won. They are behind the Baltimore Ravens in the hunt for the AFC North by virtue of their disappointing loss to their division rivals last month.
But, there’s arguably a better chance for the Steelers to make a run for the Lombardi trophy this year, compared to previous years when they were playing better. The reason why has nothing to do with Pittsburgh themselves.
Are the Stars Aligning for a Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Run?
It’s because of events up in New England the last few weeks. Rob Gronkowski has had to undergo back surgery, Tom Brady isn’t 100% himself, and their defense isn’t as strong as their previous Super Bowl victories.
The Patriots just aren’t the unstoppable force without Gronk. Granted, they are still the clear AFC favorites, but the gap between them and the rest will now close without their superstar tight end.
Their offensive line isn’t good, and their defense has been over-performing for much of the season. Can that last? PFF has the offensive line as the 31st best in the NFL for pass-protection, and Brady is already missing practices.
Their defense has been exposed at times this year, and a high-powered offense can make them regret trading Jamie Collins.
Of course, finding a team to expose the Patriots deficiencies is harder said than done. This is a weak AFC conference this year. The Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos are relying too much on their defense, with opposition teams starting to figure out Trevor Siemian. The AFC South is a tire fire, and the Chiefs struggle against the best teams.
The Ravens need their offense to do anything because their defense is improving at a fantastic rate; while the impressive Raiders – despite their 9-2 record, have been outplayed in a lot of their games – don’t have playoff experience, which will count in January.
That leaves the door open for a team with the caliber of the Steelers. With one big caveat, they need to start performing.
The talent is there. Between Eli Rogers, Ladarius Green, Cobi Hamilton, and Sammie Coates – they should get another reliable receiving option to compliment Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Their offensive line can recapture its form from years past, then Ben Roethlisberger will be able to get the protection he needs to turn Todd Haley‘s machine into the juggernaut we expected.
There have already been positive signs on defense. We are starting to see some sacks on the field, despite Cam Heyward‘s season-ending injury – with Bud Dupree and Ryan Shazier back from injury. The rookies have all improved too. Artie Burns, Javon Hargrave, and Sean Davis are making plays. With intelligent coaching and discipline, this team can make a run.
It’s a bad division, in a bad conference. Why can’t the Steelers do it? The overwhelming favorites that are the Patriots don’t make the Superbowl as often as they should, and with their injuries the door is open for any other AFC team to walk through.
It could be their year if they get their act together.
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