Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 New Year’s resolutions for the franchise

Everybody has their own resolutions for the new year, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no different as they look to make 2018 the best year yet.

The beginning of the new year spurs nearly everybody to set goals and benchmarks to better themselves by the end of the year. On a personal level, many choose the route of fitness, dieting or just becoming a new person altogether. Yet people such as you and I are not the only ones who can set new years resolutions, as professional teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers can also join in on the fun.

What could a football team possibly set as their new years resolution? Like any other person, any goal they set is to simply make them better, whether it be for the short or long-term. This could be signing players, having a good draft class, or changing of personnel in the front office (maybe next year, Cincinnati).

These resolutions can also vary from team to team.  In example, the Cleveland Browns may simply want to win a game in the upcoming year, while the Baltimore Ravens look to retain status as division champion.

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But what could Pittsburgh, a team that just secured a first round bye and back-to-back division titles, possibly want for 2018? A championship would be the obvious answer, as the franchise hasn’t clasped the Lombardi Trophy since the 2008 season. However in life it’s the smaller goals that can lead to the biggest one, and that’s where this article takes us.

Here’s three new years resolutions for the Steelers in 2018:

Decide on a quarterback for the future

The light at the end of the tunnel for Ben Roethlisberger’s career has approached at supersonic speeds in the past year, as the quarterback contemplated not returning for the 2017 season. In retaliation, the organization drafted Joshua Dobbs out of Tennessee as a potential project to mold behind Roethlisberger in hopes of one day inheriting the throne. Whether Big Ben decides to call it quits after this season or next, the team clearly needs to be prepared for a post-Roethlisberger era.

At his best, Dobbs currently finds himself as long-term project. It’s un-fair to place expectations on Josh to potentially lead this team should Ben retire in the coming years, he simply hasn’t shown he’s ready. The worst thing to do to a young quarterback drafted in the middle rounds is to shove him in the fire and watch him burn (see: Cleveland Browns quarterbacks).

The next option would be Landry Jones, fifth-year veteran out of Oklahoma and polar opposite of fan-favorite. Jones has shown to be shaky in his appearances on the field, yet the Steelers covet him for his experience behind Roethlisberger and ability to run the playbook in Todd Haley’s offense. If Roethlisberger decides to step away, it’s likely Jones is the favorite to at worst earn a trial run as starting quarterback.

Finally, the last option would be to bring someone in via free agency or the NFL Draft. Names like Kirk Cousins and Alex Smith have often been linked to a possible landing in Pittsburgh, however the price tag may be too hefty for either to be entertained to join the Steelers. With the Steelers picking in the higher picks of the first round, perhaps a quarterback in the likes of Baker Mayfield would be out of reach.

Whatever path the organization chooses, there is a need for a game-plan  once Roethlisberger is gone. 2018 is the year for the Steelers to find their man of the future at the quarterback position.

Lock down Le’Veon Bell

Since his arrival from Michigan State in 2013, it’s hard to find a running-back that’s on the same level as Le’Veon Bell. From his pass protection to abilities as a receiver, Bell is the modern-day prototype back. Services for the best back in the league don’t come cheap, and that’s where Bell and the Steelers organization find conflict.

The event that transpired with Bell in the 2017 off-season mirrored that of a reality show, with Bell not showing up to any voluntary workouts or training camp. The running back was reportedly seeking $15 million a year, which would make him far and away the highest paid running back in the league. However due to a huge cap hit and Bell’s inability to stay on the field (suspension and injury-wise), Pittsburgh settled on franchise tagging Bell and will try to enter negotiations following the 2018 season.

It is at this point, likely both at the actual negotiating table and between football fans alike, as to what a running back should be paid. Two schools of thought essentially exist: One that supports paying the player if he is deemed worthy enough, and one that finds running backs as an easy commodity that can be replaced in the modern-day NFL.

Perhaps $15 million a year might be a little out of reach, but the answer to “does he deserve a big payday” is an overwhelming yes. Bell’s impact on the offense is almost equivalent to that of Roethlisberger’s in terms of what Bell is able to do. Maybe the numbers can be changed around, but Bell is too special of a talent to let walk away. Lock him up in 2018 and let the havoc continue to be wreaked for years to come.

Strengthen middle linebacker position

The loss of Ryan Shazier has indeed been one of great proportions. While Shazier has improved tremendously through his rehab, it’s unfair to expect the linebacker to put a football helmet on as soon as he is better. At a minimum it appears that Shazier will be out for next season, if not the remainder of his career. The Steelers defense, for lack of a better term, has looked slower without him to cover sideline to sideline.

After Lawrence Timmons left to join the Dolphins, Vince Williams has stepped up tremendously in his absence and has become arguably their best linebacker with Shazier out of the picture. In the small sample size we have without Shazier this season, Pittsburgh hasn’t been so lucky in terms of production from their other inside linebackers.

With a not-so-tempting free agent class of inside linebackers, the Steelers should turn to the draft to find the man to potentially replace Shazier. It’s imaginable that Pittsburgh would spend an early pick if they’re serious about strengthening the front seven, a pick that would prove to be almost as valuable as Shazier was to the Steelers defense.

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In a perfect world, Shazier would be able to return and play with no consequences. However as we have learned, the game of football is a beautiful one that has the prospect of being life-damaging. Defense wins championships, and a fresh addition to the front seven will help sustain Pittsburgh’s chances of doing exactly that for a long duration of time.