Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a missed throw against the New Orleans Sainst during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a missed throw against the New Orleans Sainst during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

1. Ben Roethlisberger will throw for under 4,000 yards

For reference, Roethlisberger threw for 5,129 yards last year. This is a bold call because it’s projecting Big Ben’s passing production to decrease by more than 20%.

The call for his decline in passing yards is due to two reasons. Firstly, age is starting to show on Roethlisberger’s entire body. His arm doesn’t have quite the same zip it used to have and he doesn’t shrug off pass rushers quite like he used to. He’s still a good quarterback, but at 36 years of age, greatness is behind him.

Tomlin and his coaching staff can see that reality better than anyone. They’re going to ask him to do less this season as a result. The Steelers are going to run the ball more and throw more short passes. Without Brown and Smith-Schuster both on the field, the quantity of bombs Roethlisberger throws on a weekly basis is going to decline sharply.

5 burning questions for the Steelers in 2019. dark. Next

If Roethlisberger is only asked to throw for 4,000 yards this season it should be a good sign for the Steelers offense. This unit has to be more balanced if Pittsburgh want to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Big Ben might chafe at his reduction in responsibility, but it’s what’s best for his team in 2019.

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers