Fansided

Steelers quietly putting together quality team in AFC

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PA -DECEMBER 30: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) smiles at fans during the NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA -DECEMBER 30: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) smiles at fans during the NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown this offseason, but other additions and a solid locker room could be the difference.

Best-case scenario

Being legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Pittsburgh finished 9-6-1 last season, and it is very realistic to expect 10 wins from the Steelers in 2019 if not a few more. Pittsburgh has a difficult schedule to begin the season, but it gets easier in the back half. The Steelers finish the year with games against the Bills, Jets, and Ravens. They were fortunate enough to avoid major injury in 2018, and they will need a similar strand of good luck if they want to be successful this season.

Worst-case scenario

The Steelers were very healthy in 2018. It’s reasonable to expect that may not continue this time around. Pittsburgh failed to close out games last year, and the loss of Antonio Brown could prove too much to overcome. The Steelers could struggle to get things going offensively. They have a number of challenging games this season against teams like the Patriots, Seahawks, Colts, and Rams.

The Browns are also receiving a lot of hype, and they could prove to be the best team in the AFC North. Mike Tomlin has not had a season with a losing record since becoming the head coach in 2007. The stream likely doesn’t end, but if the ball doesn’t bounce their way, they could be mediocre.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

High.

Even with all of the changes that have taken place this offseason, there’s reason for confidence. Many of the young players have stepped up during training camp, and Pittsburgh is finally distraction free. They produced solid numbers on both offense and defense last season, and the additions of players like Devin Bush and Steven Nelson should help their cause. The Steelers lost three of their last five games by just three points. They didn’t do a good job at closing out games last season, but that could improve this year.

X-Factor

JuJu Smith-Schuster.

All eyes are on the young receiver this year, as Brown is no longer with the organization. Brown was a legitimate No. 1 option, and often took pressure off JuJu on the opposite side. JuJu is still just 22 years old and has very big shoes to fill.

Though his play style is very different than that of Brown’s, he could prove to be the top receiver the Steelers need in this time of desperation.

Turning point

Week 11 at Cleveland.

The Browns are the favorite to win the AFC North for the first time in forever. The Steelers face them twice in a three-week span, hosting Cleveland come Week 13. This is an opportunity to remind the Brown the division crown typically goes through Pittsburgh once the weather gets cold.

Best moment in team history

The Santonio Holmes touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLIII.

Yes, you could pick any of the four championships in the 1970s, but this was an unforgettable game. The back-and-forth, the drama. This toe-tap catch gave the Steelers their sixth title in epic fashion.