Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2014 in a nutshell: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger experiences a career year and weapons Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell dominate as the high-powered Steelers rebound from back-to-back 8-8 seasons by winning 11 games and the AFC North.
Why 2015 could be different: They lost a ton of key contributors on defense. But on the other hand, the offense could be even better with the line improving and young receivers Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant emerging.
Major additions: Corner Brandon Boykin, running back DeAngelo Williams and top pick Alvin Dupree.
Major losses: Troy Polamalu (retirement), Ike Taylor (retirement), Jason Worilds (sudden retirement), Brice McCain (free agency) and Brett Keisel (released).
Breakout watch: Wheaton and Bryant are both below the age of 25 and coming off 500-yard seasons, while they really need a boost from 2014 first-round pick Ryan Shazier on defense.
Position to watch: Shazier and 2013 first-rounder Jarvis Jones will be playing major roles in the linebacking corps. And who knows what 37-year-old James Harrison has left in him.
Prediction: Those defensive losses hurt a little, but they’ve got some solid players on that side of the ball and the offense is strong enough to carry them on a Super Bowl run. I have them losing the AFC championship game to the Colts.
