In 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the year with a 6-2 record and nearly made the playoffs. That was after they started the year with a 2-6 record, including going 0-4 the first 4 games. After drafting some play makers on both sides of the ball the Steelers hope that they can get off to a better start and possibly make the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The first part of their schedule gives them an advantage of getting out to a fast start. Maybe even match their production with the last 8 games.
The Steelers have set their 53 man roster. Every player that they drafted in May with exceptions of cornerback Shaquille Richardson, a 5th round pick, and tight end Rob Blanchflower, a 7th round pick, made the final roster. Surprisingly Vic So’oto and Howard Jones didn’t make the final cut. However the Steelers did sign Jones to the practice squad. They also decided to keep Landry Jones as a 3rd quarterback, which was a little bit of a surprise because for the second preseason in a row Jones looked lost when he was playing. Let’s face it the best thing he can do is grow a sweet 70’s porn mustache. I am assuming that he also dresses as Jeff Kent for every Halloween.
The Steelers have definitely became a lot younger and faster on both sides of the ball but will that turn into success for them during the season? Will they stay with the no huddle and let Big Ben make the play calls? Will their Cheech and Chong backfield be able to give them a more balanced attack? Let’s take a look.
September 7th vs Cleveland Browns- Steelers open up at home against one of the rivals. Even though they have a great history with this rivalry it isn’t much of a rivalry anymore. I mean, the hammer doesn’t call the nail its
rival does it? Steelers should win pretty easy, even if Johnny Manziel is playing QB 24-10. Record 1-0
September 11th at Baltimore Ravens- The Steelers get Baltimore on a short week for the Thursday night games. I usually like games in prime time but to me it seems Thursday night games are a little sloppy. This game will be a low scoring and very sloppy. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are kind of going through a transition phase right now. Still trying to find out who they are. Baltimore pulls out a close one 17-13. Record 1-1
September 21st at Carolina Panthers- Carolina was a surprise team last year and went to the playoffs. However they let a lot of their playmakers go and didn’t really do anything to replace them, including 3 starters on the offensive line. Pittsburgh will be well rested having 10 days off and should be focused. Cam Newton will give the defense fits but Pittsburgh will be too much on offense. 24-18 Record 2-1
September 28th vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Pittsburgh will be facing a team that has improved a lot during the off-season. Bringing in a new coach and quarterback. The Steelers will have their hands full on both sides of the ball. They will pull out a good team against a much improved Buccaneers team. 28-24. Record 3-1
October 5th at Jacksonville Jaguars- The Steelers always seem to struggle on the road in games that it seems they shouldn’t struggle in. This will be one of them. The Jaguars aren’t the most talented team but they play very hard. Steelers will lose in this game 20-13. Record 3-2
October 12th at Cleveland Browns- Pittsburgh bounces back from a ugly loss in Jacksonville and responds with a solid outing against the Browns. The younger players will start for the Steelers will start to shine on both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh wins big 31-17. Record 4-2
October 20th vs Houston Texans- The Steelers will be playing with confidence and will start to hit their stride. Houston’s defense will be stout but their offense will struggle without a legitimate play caller. Steelers win 20-18. Record 5-2
October 26th vs Indianapolis Colts- Getting the Colts at home is a positive for the Steelers. Having to play against Andrew Luck with a aging secondary isn’t. The Steelers are going to have to get pressure on Luck if they are going to win. Colts pull it out 27-21. Record 5-3
November 2nd vs Baltimore Ravens- Both teams always play each other very well. Steelers will look to avenge an early season loss. Le’Veon Bell with have a great game for the Steelers and help them pull out a tough low scoring game 13-10. Record 6-3
November 9th at the New York Jets- Last year the Steelers were able to put a lot of points up against the Jets defense. I expect the same thing this year. Steelers win 34-20. Record 7-3
November 17th at Tennessee Titans- Last year in week one every Steeler fan watched in agony while the Titans ran all over the defense in week one. The Steelers offense looked even worse. With more depth on both sides of the ball and more weapons for Big Ben this years outcome should be different. Steelers get vengeance back on another team 20-10. Record 8-3
November 23th- Bye week
November 30th New Orleans Saints- After getting through the easier part of the schedule the Steelers have to face a super bowl contender in The Saint. They haven’t been very good on the road in the last few years but they will be able to handle the Steelers this time around. Drew Brees is an incredibly accurate passer and will have a good day against the Steelers secondary. Steelers lose 31-24. Record 8-4
December 7th at Cincinnati Bengals- The Steelers hardest part of the schedule continues with a road game to visit the division champion Bengals. Bengals are the best team in the division, maybe on both sides of the ball. Steelers always seem to play better in divisional games but they let this one slip through their fingers. 21-18. Record 8-5
December 14th at Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan will play better than he did last year and he has both of his wide receivers healthy, but will it be enough to beat the Steelers? Pittsburgh will control the ball and keep Matt Ryan off the field. Steelers win 23-20. Record 9-5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO_dwLBVIaw
December 21st vs Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs were another team that surprised people last year. They won’t be able to repeat what they did last year. Pittsburgh is improved on both sides of the ball and should hold off Kansas City. 19-14. Record 10-5
December 28th vs Cincinnati Bengals- This game could decide who wins the division. It will be a close hard fought game that will see a few lead changes. In the end the Bengals will prove to be too much for the Steelers again. Steelers lose 31-28. Record 10-6
At 10-6 the Steelers should break their 2 year drought of making the playoffs. Infusing young talent into the defense at linebacker and play makers on offense, the Steelers should have success this year. For them to return to the playoffs the offensive line will have to play better and the defensive back field will have to create some turnovers. Should be a fun and exciting year!!
Optimistic 14-2
Realistic 10-6
Dumpster Fire 7-9