Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Keys To Success In 2015
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) lays on the field after being injured during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
1. The offensive line must protect Ben Roethlisberger
At 33, Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is showing no signs of slowing down. 2014 was the best year of his career statistically as he completed 67% of his passes for a league-leading 4,952 yards and and 32 touchdowns. He’s got excellent playmakers around him in the form of last season’s NFL receiving leader Antonio Brown, running back Le’Veon Bell, and a few young receivers looking to emerge in Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton, and rookie Sammie Coates. These offensive skill players are likely to be productive, but that all depends on the blocking they receive.
ALSO ON SPINZONE: WHERE DOES BIG BEN RANK AMONG ALL-TIME GREAT QUARTERBACKS?
On the line, there are no real questions regarding who will be starting. For the first time in Mike Tomlin’s nine years as Steelers head coach, the starting offensive line will be the same at the opening of consecutive seasons. This line was excellent last year, and looks to build on that production in 2015.
The line’s issue, however, is in its depth. Tackle Mike Adams is expected to be a solid backup, and backup center Cody Wallace has started six games in his career, but the other eight lineman on the roster have a combined one game played in the NFL. Should injuries plague the line in Pittsburgh the team could face some issues. Under Mike Tomlin, the team has finished in the bottom half of the league in terms of sacks allowed every year except for 2014, and if they return to that form, it may be difficult to be successful.
Roethlisberger was able to see the success he did last season because he was protected so well. 2014 was one of only three seasons in his career that he was able to play a full 16-game schedule, so he has already shown he is somewhat prone to injuries. As he ages he almost certainly will become more fragile, and protecting him will be more important than ever. No other player on the team’s roster has started a game at quarterback in the last four seasons, emphasizing the importance of Roethlisberger’s health.
If Big Ben goes down, there doesn’t appear to be anyone else in Pittsburgh remotely capable of taking the reins.
Next: Le'Veon Bell's Issues