2015 Season Predictions: AFC North Preview

January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back

(34) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers: 

Key Additions: RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Sammie Coates, OLB Bud Dupree, CB Senquez Golson 

Williams is the only player worth noting that the Steelers added during free agency and he is barely worth noting. He wasn’t very good in Carolina last year, but the Steelers noticed that they had no depth behind Bell at running back, and he somewhat provides depth. Coates adds another good combination of size and speed to this already potent receiving corps. Dupree was a great value pick for the Steelers and is extremely athletic, but also very raw. Golson is a smart addition for Pittsburgh as their cornerbacks are quite bad.

Key Losses: WR Lance Moore, DE Brett Keisel, OLB Jason Worilds, CB Brice McCain, CB Ike Taylor, SS Troy Polamalu 

There is a very common characteristic with the names listed above and that is being above 30. Moore was not a big factor in last years offense and won’t be missed much. Keisel has been a key player for the Steelers over the past decade, but time has caught up to him and he simply wasn’t good enough to keep around.

While Worilds departure was almost for sure, the fact that he was going to retire was a big surprise to the entire NFL. Without him, they are missing a very good and athletic linebacker.  McCain is a terrible cornerback and won’t be missed and Taylor was also too old and more of a liability. Age has also caught up to Polamalu who has decided to retire after the Steelers no longer wanted his services.

Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

(10) crosses the goal line on a 21-yard touchdown catch against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The offense didn’t add many players and they didn’t really need to, as they were great last year with Roethlisberger. Big Ben, Bell and Brown are as good of a trio as there is in the NFL and lead this potent attack. Adding Bryant, Wheaton, Coates and Miller makes this passing attack extremely dangerous, especially if Bryant can improve off his very good rookie season.

The offensive line will be a key to this years season. If they can play well, this offense will be almost unstoppable if healthy. It seems like health has always been an issue for the Steelers offense and the key players need to stay healthy for a deep playoff run.

The defense will be the question mark for the Steelers. Their defensive line isn’t very impressive and will have some trouble putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The linebacker corps isn’t that good either, though I believe Timmons is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL.

Shazier has been a disappointment so far and I am not sure how effective James Harrison will be with his 37 years. Their secondary isn’t really that good either, as Allen and Gay are below average starting cornerbacks and their safeties aren’t anything special. The defense will have its struggles next year, but the offense is good enough to make up for it.

Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns end

(84) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker

(94) in the first half atight t Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Predictions:

Best Case Record: 12-4

Worst Case Record: 8-8

Prediction: 10-6

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Le’Veon Bell

Team’s Defensive MVP: ILB Lawrence Timmons

Rookie Standout: CB Senquez Golson

The Steelers are good enough that they have a chance to win against anyone. The entire AFC North has a very difficult schedule this year. I think they will be very successful at home, very much because they play most of their weaker  opponents at home.  Their offense would really have to be exceptional this year for the Steelers to get to a 12-4 record.

Worst case is that if their defense is terrible and their offense isn’t good enough to make up for it. They will still be able to beat most of the bad teams, but a lot of the good defenses they face will slow down their offense and their defense won’t be able to stop opposing offenses.

Next: Final standings and conclusion