5 bold predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020

No one in the Steelers organization is satisfied with last season’s 8-8 record. Mike Tomlin must show improvement in 2020 if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers’ 2019 season effectively ended when Ben Roethlisberger was placed on Injured Reserve. Fortunately, the 37-year-old signal caller looks to be healthy and ready to go in advance of the 2020 campaign. That has everyone in Pittsburgh primed and ready for a bounce back season.

The bones of the roster are still in excellent shape. That’s why the team was still able to scratch out an 8-8 record despite relying on guys like Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges at the quarterback position. The return of Roethlisberger drastically raises the Steelers’ ceiling.

The real strength of the franchise continues to be on defense though. Last year’s trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick turned the secondary from mediocre to good as an overall unit. The front seven still has a ferocious pass rush led by T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree.

Tomlin still needs a few good surprises if he wants to pilot this deep on a deep postseason run. A few of the following five predictions coming true would be a great platform for him to build on.

5. Justin Layne will beat out Steven Nelson

Penciling in Fitzpatrick as the starter at free safety takes a ton of pressure off the rest of the Steelers’ secondary. There’s still room for improvement at the cornerback spots though.

In particular, Steven Nelson looks like a prime candidate to see his role diminished. The prediction here is second-year man Justin Layne will develop enough to knock Nelson out of the starting lineup. That would be a positive development for the Steelers. They need more playmakers to maximize Fitzpatrick’s impact on the field.