Pittsburgh Steelers Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC North Preview 2021AFCAFC NorthPittsburgh Steelers

Sep 4

Our Pittsburgh Steelers preview 2021 notes that for the first time in two years this team made the postseason by winning the division with a record of 12-4. Unfortunately, they lost in the wildcard game to Cleveland 48-37. Will the Steelers make the playoffs a second straight year? Over the past few seasons, this team has played unevenly. Thus, a playoff spot is in no way a given. Our take is it can go either way with this team.

Steelers Offense

QB Ben Roethlisberger (608 ATT, 399 COMP, 3,803 YDs, 33 TDs, 10 INTs) put up fine numbers last season. Consequently, he’s back one more time in hopes of capturing the title. His contract ends after this season is over. Center Kendrick Green retired from a line that allowed just 14 sacks (1st) last season. There’s a lot of adjusting going on. Due to this fact, we don’t expect this line to be as effective as last season’s was.

The four top receivers return, including rookie sensation Chase Claypool (62 REC, 873 YDs, 14.1 AVG, 9 TDs). JuJu Smith Schuster topped the team with 97 catches and tied with Claypool for most TD receptions. However, he averaged just 8.6 YPR. Wideout Diontae Johnson (88 REC, 923 YDs, 10.5 AVG, 7 TDs) and tight end Eric Ebron (56 REC, 558 YDs, 10.0 AVG, 5 TDs) offer fine receiving chops. Rookie running back Najee Harris replaces three-year starter James Conner. He’s a three-down feature back. Dependable Benny Snell (111 ATT, 369 YDs, 3.3 AVG, 4 TDs) is the second man in.

Pittsburgh Steelers Preview – Defense

Our Pittsburgh Steelers preview 2021 finds that last season this side of the ball was top notch. They finished first in sacks (56), tied for first in picks (18), and third in points allowed (19.5), passing defense (194.4), and total D (305.8). The Pittsburgh defense tied for 10th in rushing yards allowed (111.4). There’s good news, as both the line and linebacking unit are premium. However, there are issues in the secondary.

The three starters upfront are back, including veteran All-Pro tackle Cam Heyward. He’s indefatigable. End Stephon Tuitt recorded 11 sacks, while on the other end Tyson Alualu is a massive run stopper. Although the Steelers lose OLB Bud Dupree, T.J Watt, who has posted 29.5 sacks and was All-Pro in the past two seasons, is back. In his first two years with Pitt, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick made nine picks, returning two for TDs. In both seasons, he was All-Pro. The starting corners are new but experienced. Still, there are questions regarding this unit.

Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams

Punter Pressley Harvin III replaces Jordan Berry. Harvin, a rookie, can boom the ball. Chris Boswell (34/38 XPs, 19/20 FGs) is accurate and reliable. Long snapper Kameron Canady returns for his sixth season. Ray-Ray McCloud is solid on runbacks.