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5 bold predictions for Steelers in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a kickoff during the NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers on September 16, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a kickoff during the NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers on September 16, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Switzer will catch over 75 passes

Switzer is a receive who is still searching for a place to call home. Neither Oakland or Dallas really saw him as a difference maker in the slot. Brown’s departure from the Steelers’ receiving corps gives him a golden opportunity to become a big weapon for Roethlisberger.

There’s a ton of speculation about who is going to start outside opposite Smith-Schuster, but that’s ignoring a really key component of this offense. The guy who can grab the lion’s share of snaps in the slot should catch a ton of balls this season. Switzer looks like the guy who will seize that role.

Given Roethlisberger’s advancing age it’s also logical to think the Steelers coaching staff will want him to preserve his body like never before. In other words, look for some shorter throws for Big Ben this season. That plays perfectly into Switzer’s ability to slither over the middle and find open space.

Switzer isn’t going to be the receiver who makes big plays for Pittsburgh down the field, but he should emerge as  guy who can really help keep the chain’s moving. Look for him to flirt with 100 catches, but ultimately he’ll settle with just over 75 grabs.

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