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5 reasons the Steelers will win the AFC North

By Rucker Haringey

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the crowd prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the crowd prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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1. Roethlisberger will revive the aerial attack

Any hope the Steelers have of knocking off the Ravens hinges on Roethlisberger having a healthier 2020 campaign. The odds are strongly in favor of him playing more than two games this season.

With all due respect to Duck Hodges and Mason Rudolph, Roethlisberger’s return will give Pittsburgh a massive upgrade at the quarterback position. He may be nearing the end of his impressive career, but he can still push the ball downfield with impressive accuracy. Combine that with his ability to stand in the pocket and shrug off hits and it’s easy to see how Pittsburgh can forge an impressive passing attack.

The key for Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will be to help Roethlisberger pick and choose the times he allows himself to take punishment in the pocket. The Steelers can’t afford for him to get injured and miss serious time again this season.

dark. Next. NFL Draft grades: Did Steelers get Big Ben enough help?

If Roethlisberger stays healthy, he’s going to turn one of his team’s biggest weaknesses from 2019 into a solid strength. The Steelers struggled to throw the ball with any effectiveness a season ago. His return should make guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington look like dangerous NFL receivers one again. That can easily power the Steelers to an AFC North title.

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