Fansided

NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) smiles from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) smiles from the sidelines during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North in 2014, only to fall in the Wild Card game against their chief rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh was able to ride the trio of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown. In addition, Pittsburgh employs one of the best coaches in the league with Mike Tomlin, who has been to a pair of Super Bowls and won once.

In the offseason, major changes were made on a defense that already has struggles. Safety Troy Polamalu and corner Ike Taylor retired, along with the surprising retirement of inside linebacker Jason Worilds. Brett Keisel is also no longer with the team, will corner Brice McCain left in free agency for the Houston Texans. However, most importantly, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is gone. This is a massive storyline.

Major Battle

The secondary has to be the position group to watch. After McCain, Taylor and Polamalu vacated the premises, Pittsburgh has plenty of room for competition. It would appear that Cortez Allen and William Gay will start at corner, although Antwan Blake could push for time whether inside or outside. Senquez Golson will also factor into the mix of a weak group.

Expectations

The Steelers are always expected to be in the playoffs, but it could be tough for Pittsburgh to make it happen. The defense has some major holes and a bad injury or two could turn the unit into a sieve. The offense might be the best in the league, although the loss of Bell to a three-game suspension isn’t helping matters. The Steelers are eying a second-straight division title, but it won’t be easy.

Next: Cincinnati Bengals

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