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5 Steelers who need to step up in Ben Roethlisberger’s absence

By Parker Hurley

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers can survive the Ben Roethlisberger injury if certain players step up. 

The Ben Roethlisberger injury could be devastating to Steelers nation. Through six weeks, he was right up there with Matt Ryan in the MVP discussion. The Steelers looked a likely Super Bowl contender, and faced a big test with another contender, the New England Patriots, in Week 7.

Now, the Steelers must navigate that test with backup quarterback Landry Jones. The Steelers went 1-1 with Jones in control last year, and he threw three touchdowns to four interceptions.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, the early reports are that Jones may only have to start two games again this season for the injured Roethlisberger. It’s not going to be easy, but the Steelers may be able to survive this brief stint with Jones under center. If certain players step up, that is.

Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Stephon Tuitt

Stephon Tuitt is going to have tons of pressure on him for the next few weeks. The Steelers defense was already considered the team weakness through the first five weeks. In Week 5, Tuitt’s running-mate, Cameron Heyward, went down to a hamstring injury that will likely sideline him through Week 8. Now, the Steelers defense will have to be the group to carry the team as the Steelers essentially lost their best player on both sides of the ball with Heyward and Roethlisberger down.

In the first game without Heyward, the Steelers got torched on the ground for 222 yards and did not register a single sack against a team that ranked 30th in the league in giving up sacks. If the defense is going to be bad, and the offense is going to be led by Landry Jones, the wins are not coming.

Tuitt cannot single-handedly improve the defense, but he has the highest upside as far as improving the defense goes.

At 6-foot-7, 300 pounds he has the size and strength to push his way through offensive lineman and create havoc in the backfield. He’s good at forcing quarterbacks to move away from him, and into the arms of another defender for sacks.

Tuitt is now in his third season and has a real chance to become a known quantity among fans and media in the NFL. With a couple of strong performances, he can at the very least clean up the run defense and give the Steelers a fighting shot on the defensive side of the ball.

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