Pittsburgh Steelers: Will offense be best in the league?

When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, you generally think of their great defenses in their franchise history.

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The name the Steel Curtain is known by all football fans, and also people who don’t follow the game. Recently, the Steelers have struggled on the defensive side of the ball, as father time caught up to a few of their players.

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As the defense has gotten worse, their offense has become one of the best in the league. As a team last season, the Steelers set a franchise-record with 436 points. They were ranked second in the NFL in total offense behind the New Orleans Saints. In points per game, the Steelers were ranked seventh in the NFL with 27.3 PPG.

Much of the reason for the Steelers’ offensive success was their passing attack. Like in total yards, the Steelers were ranked second in total passing yards behind the Saints.

Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was the main reason behind the team’s outburst last season.

Roethlisberger had arguably his best season in 2014, as he tied for first in passing yards with Drew Brees. In 2014, Roethlisberger totaled 4,952 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 67.1 completion percentage.

In 2015, Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense is looking to improve on their great 2014 season.

“We want to start fast and we want to be able to put 30 points on the board in every game,’’ Roethlisberger said to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In the offseason, the Steelers didn’t make any big changes to their offense, as Roethlisberger will have the same unit as last season.

For many years, the Steelers didn’t have a very good offensive line to protect Roethlisberger, but that has changed. In 2015, Roethlisberger will have the same five starting lineman in front of him from last season, which is a great thing to have for continuity.

In addition to the improved offensive line, Roethlisberger has the luxury of having two of the best weapons in the NFL.

Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell are both two of the best players at their positions, and that makes it a nightmare for opposing defenses to scheme against.

Last season, Bell was one of the best running backs in the NFL, as he totaled 1,391 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, and 4.7 yards per carry. In addition to the great statistics on the ground, Bell was also a big part of the Steelers’ passing attack. In 2014, Bell totaled 83 receptions, 854 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. The ability to both run and catch the ball has made Bell one of the most dynamic running backs in the league.

Bell did have some issues off the field, which will be costing him a few games in the beginning of the season. When Bell is back from his suspension however, he will be fresh and hungry to make up for his time missed.

When Bell is out, the Steelers may have to rely on their other star weapon. Last season, Brown improved on his great breakout season in 2013 with a monster 2014 campaign. In 2014, Brown totaled 129 receptions, 1,698 receiving yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns. Those statistics from Brown puts him in an elite class in the NFL, as he is Roethlisberger’s go to guy.

The bold statement from Roethlisberger that the team will score 30 points per game this season isn’t a far-fetched one with the talent that they have on the offensive side of the ball.

Times have changed in Pittsburgh, as their fans can expect to watch one of the best offenses in the NFL.

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