32 in 31: Pittsburgh Steelers

Another year of 32 for 31, Sports News on Tap takes the month of August to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers went .500 last year. They have missed the playoffs a couple times throughout the last 15 years, but rarely do they miss in back-to-back years. It has not happened since the late 90's.  The Steelers are a team with some old parts and some new parts hoping they will become a playoff team this year. Head coach Mike Tomlin does not seem like a coach to just let the team toil around in futility for a couple of years. He will definitely make adjustments to this team to ensure they are back in the playoffs.  Ben Roethlisberger finally seems healthy after all of these years battling different bruises and injuries throughout the last couple of years. 

OFFENSE
One of the bigger reasons why Roethlisberger suffered so many injuries throughout the last couple of years was due to his offensive linemen being a virtual turnstile. They now boast a very young, exciting offensive line. David DeCastro is healthy and many people are talking about how good he will be inside with Ramon Foster, the veteran of this unit in his fifth year.  They have the second year of Mike Adams and third year of Marcus Gilbert on the outside. Both were high draft picks and will definitely help Big Ben stay upright for the 2013 season.

Additionally, I think Roethlisberger's lack of receivers is completely overstated. Antonio Brown, Heath Miller (Injured) and Emmanuel Sanders are all three receivers who had over 700 yards.  Brown and Miller also had 65+ in receptions. Sure, he does not have his deep threat in Mike Wallace, but I would argue Brown/Sanders combined is basically one Wallace if that makes sense. The Steelers also added two receivers in the draft as well.  

There are some players who fit a certain team. Le'Veon Bell fits the Steelers. All the reports are good on him although I worry about his long-term stability with how many carries he already had in college (44 in one game!). Bell is the type of bruising running back the Steelers are known for and even if they are more a passing team, the Michigan State standout will provide them with a great secondary option attack on offense.

DEFENSE
Even though James Harrison and Casey Hampton are gone, the Steelers still have many of their mainstays on their defense with the likes of Brett Keisel, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor. All six of those players still have something left in the tank especially Timmons. I think he could be a sneaky Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He is definitely underrated when it comes to linebackers. Further, they add Jarvis Jones from Georgia whom people predicted could have went as high as number two in the draft but people were scared of his spinal injuries. If Jones ends up having a Von Miller-like impact, the Steelers could have another vaunted and feared defense like they have so many times before.

The biggest concern has to be in the secondary. The three mentioned as good players still and compete, but they are not one the same level as they used to be. Taylor missed most of 2012, but remember in 2011 how much he struggled against vertical routes. Let's also not forget they lost Keenan Allen to New Orleans in the offseason meaning a lot of pressure will be on Cortez Allen or new free agent but former Steeler William Gay

SPECIAL TEAMS 
The Steelers always have troubles with kickers given the nature of Heinz Field, but Shaun Suisham had a great year for them last year. Drew Butler did not have a great rookie campaign and reason why they brought Brian Moorman in. The Steelers added LaRod Stephens-Howling to take back kicks as well as be a backup running back and I assume Antonio Brown will take back punts.

KEY ADDITIONS 
CB William Gay, QB Bruce Gradowksi, P Brian Moorman, TE Matt Spaeth, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, T Guy Whimper - Two of these were former Steelers at some point, Pittsburgh living that good?

KEY DEPARTURES
LB James Harrison, NT Casey Hampton, CB Keenan Lewis, RB Rashard Mendenhall, OT Max Starks, WR Mike Wallace, S Will Allen, G Willie Colon

STEELERS DRAFT PICKS 
LB Jarvis Jones, RB Le'Veon Bell, WR Markus Wheaton, S Shamarko Thomas, QB Landry Jones, CB Terry Hawthorne, WR Justin Brown, LB Vince Williams, DT Nick Williams - Even though Clark/Polamalu are some of the best in the business, Thomas could be a stud for a long time for the Steelers  

GAME TO WATCH 
Sunday December 15th - vs. Cincinnati Bengals 7:30 pm - Huge game probably in mid-December with road game in Green Bay looming the next week and also the fact they could be fighting for a playoff spot.

PREDICTION
10-12 wins - I am so serious about this team. The Steelers have a wealth of young talent ranging from draft picks this year to drafts from the last couple of years with the veterans, Pittsburgh could be truly successful this year and might be fringe Super Bowl contender.

Charlie.