The NFL is preparing for its triumphant return to the sports landscape in late July as teams report to facilities for the first time since things were shut down in mid-March. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the return to play, and if the games actually will be played, but this article is built around optimism.
Optimism there will be a season, and optimism about the 2020 Steelers.
There are a lot of reasons why fans of the black and gold should be excited about the upcoming year, as it pertains to on-field success. Fans might not be in the stands, but some football is better than no football, right?
I give you five reasons why fans should be optimistic about the Steelers chances in 2020, and when you mention success to Steelers fans it means one thing, a championship.
Here we go...
1. BEN IS BACK
Ben Roethlisberger missed nearly the entire 2019 season after suffering an elbow injury that needed to be surgically repaired. No one knows for sure what Roethlisberger will look like when he returns, but I think it is safe to say an 80% Roethlisberger should be better than the quarterback play in 2019. Just having Roethlisberger under center will help the offense run smoothly as his play above the neck can get the team in and out of calls to maximize the success of the team. Having Roethlisberger back on the field and healthy is paramount for the Steelers' 2020 success.
2. THE DEFENSE
There was the 'Steel Curtain' and 'Blitzburgh', but it might be time for the current Steelers defense to get their own moniker. I am not sure what that would be, the fans reading this are more creative than me in this regard, but if you don't think this unit is elite you haven't been watching. Last season, they led the NFL in takeaways and were in the top six of every major defensive category outside of rushing yards surrendered. This will be the last run with this current group, and T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree and Cam Heyward will be looking to take the group to the next level.
3. MINKAH MAGIC
When the Steelers traded a first-round pick to the Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, fans were skeptical. After all, the team had just lost their starting quarterback for the season, and they shipped their top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft away. The optics weren't good. But when Fitzpatrick stepped on the field in Week 3 vs. the 49ers, his impact was undeniable. Almost overnight the fan base went from concerned to crazy for Fitzpatrick. Just imagine what Fitzpatrick will look like with a full offseason under his belt and a better understanding of his coaches and teammates. The sky is the limit.
4. NEW FACES
Roethlisberger returning, a dominant defense and Fitzpatrick ready to take a step forward are great, but to suggest the roster is complete is foolish. The Steelers' offseason moves, including in the draft, helped fill vacancies they have on their roster. The signing of Stefen Wisniewski, Derek Watt, Eric Ebron, Chris Wormley and all six draft picks did a great job adding depth and instant impact talent to the team. The Steelers lost players, but their offseason acquisitions did more than just make up for those who left.
5. CONTINUITY
The aforementioned players acquired will help the team win, but the fact they didn't have to go out and make huge moves could be a deciding factor to the success of the team during the coronavirus pandemic. With no rookie minicamp, Organized Team Activities (OTAs) or mandatory minicamp, those with the strongest continuity will help their cause in a big way this season. The Steelers, from a coaching staff on down to their players, have just that entering the regular season.
Things are tough right now, and many are wondering what exactly will happen this season, but Steelers fans have plenty to look forward to when the players get on the gridiron this fall.
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