5 reasons Pittsburgh Steelers will still make the playoffs

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley talks with tight end David Paulson (81) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Coaching

Whether Steelers fans would like to admit it or not, they have one the best coaching staffs in the NFL. Mike Tomlin has his flaws but wins games as well as any coach in the NFL. Under Tomlin, the Steelers used three years of going 8-8 as their rebuilding seasons. He is 8-7 as a head coach without Ben Roethlisberger and has done it with some of the uglier quarterback performances you will see.

Two pieces the Steelers have that can help them win without a quarterback would be offensive line coach Mike Munchak and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. These two are former head coaches who have won 41 combined games over a six-year span with Matt Cassel, Brodie Coyle, Kyle Orton, Tyler Palko, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Locker, and Ryan Fitzpatrick as the quarterbacks. These two are looking at All-Pro performers in Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, David Decastro and Maurkice Pouncey thinking that this is a walk in the park.

The Steelers offensive line has improved every year under Munchak, and the offense has hit a level under Todd Haley that Bruce Arians could not take it to. With these coordinators and coaches on the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers have been feeling okay with where they stand.

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