5 reasons Steelers can win the Super Bowl this year

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 29: Outside linebacker T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers pressures quarterback Robert Griffin III #3 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. The Steelers pass rush is dominant

T.J. Watt might not be the best pass rusher in his own family, but he is a part of arguably the best group of pass rushers in the NFL. The Steelers front seven should rack up a ton of sacks again in 2020.

Watt led the way with 14.5 sacks a season ago, but he wasn’t the only guy to reach double-digits. Bud Dupree also gave his team 11.5 sacks from his outside linebacker spot. Opposing offensive lines can’t afford to double team both guys at the same time. That makes Pittsburgh one of the only NFL teams that can effectively rush the passer from both edges.

Of course, rushing the passer from the inside is also a key element for the Steelers’ front. That’s why Cameron Heyward’s play is so important for Tomlin and his defensive coaching staff. The team doesn’t necessarily need him to notch nine sacks again in 2020, but his ability to collapse the pocket from the inside is crucial for his front’s success.

Pittsburgh has to rush the passer effectively this season if they want to fashion a top-10 defense. Fortunately, they have the talent to make life miserable for opposing signal-callers. The Steelers pass rush will be elite again in 2020.

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