The defending AFC North champions lost a lot of talent this offseason. But the Pittsburgh Steelers has a few new faces that have made an impression to date.
From a franchise-record 11-0 start to one of the worst late-season collapses ever. Including the embarrassing home playoff loss to the Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers hardly looked like a division champion when it was all said and done in 2020.
It’s been an offseason of many departures but a few veteran additions. The team needs some young players to step up this season. Mike Tomlin’s club has the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns nipping at its heels. Meanwhile, here are three performers who have enjoyed solid showings so far.
3. ILB Ulysees Gilbert
Inside linebacker was a horror show for Mike Tomlin’s team a year ago. The team lost Devin Bush after five games. Robert Spillane stepped in but he was also bitten by the injury bug. Veteran Vince Williams, who retired this offseason, also missed some time. The bottom line was that Keith Butler’s unit eventually finished a mediocre 11th in the league against the run.
Bush and Spillane are back, as is Marcus Allen. The Steelers used a fourth-round pick this year on Texas A&M’s Buddy Johnson, who should help against the run. And the team recently gave a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Jaguars for veteran Joe Schobert, who should help with pass coverage.
While 2019 sixth-round selection Ulysees Gilbert has played in a total of 11 regular-season games the past two years, he’s shown enough this summer to earn a spot for a group that could use all the depth it can get.
2. RB Kalen Ballage
They finished dead last in the league in rushing yards a season ago. For the most part, the Steelers’ ground attack has been subpar for the better part of three seasons. Hence a new offensive coordinator (Matt Canada), a new-look offensive line and the utilization of a first-round pick in April on Alabama running back Najee Harris.
It was the first time since 2008 that the organization selected a player at this position since 2008. In recent years, the team has grabbed players such as James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland to add punch to the ground attack. It’s worth noting that Le’Veon Bell’s last season with the club was 2017.
The Steelers added Kalen Ballage in free agency this year. He did not appear in the team’s preseason win at Philadelphia but carries five times for 19 yards and a score in the Hall of Fame game. He has shown some burst and it’s something the offense could use. So it wouldn’t be a shock if he made a few other players in the backfield expendable.
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1. QB Dwayne Haskins
It’s been less about the numbers and more about how he has handled a second chance. Former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was a first-round pick by Washington in 2019 and on the street before the conclusion of 2020.
The Steelers signed him to a futures contract earlier this year. As the franchise looks for not only a backup but a possible successor to Ben Roethlisberger, the young performer has embraced the chance. There were questions about his maturity but he has responded in many ways in a new venue.
As far as the statistics, he’s connected on a combined 24-of-35 throws for 215 yards, one score and zero interceptions. He’s in a battle with Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs for a place on the roster. Could the Steelers keep three quarterbacks? In any case, it’s been a nice 2021 to date for the former Buckeyes’ standout.