It's time for another wild ride with the boys from the Burgh. Frankly, I have no idea what to expect other than a likely playoff berth, most likely as a division winner. After that, the variability of the team is off the charts. They could give up 45 points to some shitty QB in the playoffs and get knocked out or rain 50 on everyone and win the SB.
First the good news. This should be another very productive season for the Killer Bs even if they run Bell into the ground in what appears to be his last season with the club. The WR weapons after Brown are tremendous led by Smith-Schuster who figures to build on his impressive rookie season. Don't lose sight of James Washington who figures to get a lot of touches in the old Martavis Bryant role. Assuming Vance McDonald stays healthy (big if), he and Jesse James will rack up a number of plays down the middle of the field. The OL is intact for another season and is easily one of the top five units in the NFL. Of course Ben is Ben and assuming good health (once again big if) he is poised for another big season.
Special teams are solid. Chris Boswell is one of the top kickers in the league at least inside 50 yards. Jordan Berry is a solid punter. The coverage units are solid and DH Bey does yeoman's work in that regard. I don't think Brown will be used much as a PR so it will be important to get some production from other(s) who will fill that role. Schuster is a dangerous KR but since that skill set is being phased out of the NFL it's not clear how much value that will bring.
Now the not so good news. Jon Bostic can't replace Ryan Shazier. And without Shazier the opponents short passing game can thrive as we saw in the playoffs. Hopefully the coaching staff can for once figure out a way to scheme around problems like this. Otherwise there is plenty of skill elsewhere on the defense, including Watt, Heyward, Hargraves, Tuitt, Haden, Burns, Davis and DuPree. If they can get a consistent pass rush without blitzing too much then there is a chance they can have an above average defense which will make them a viable SB threat.
No changes to the coaching staff. I generally like Tomlin though I cringe at some of his tactical maneuvering at times. Frankly when I look around and see some of the other less than bright minds who are NFL coaches, I feel a little bit better. Kevin Butler has to earn his pay this season. He struggled to come up with schemes after Shazier went down and it cost them big time in the playoffs. Hopefully he's had enough time to put some tings in place.
* Title of thread came to me this morning on the way to work with Metallica playing on the radio in the car. But it seemed very appropriate for this squad as well.
First the good news. This should be another very productive season for the Killer Bs even if they run Bell into the ground in what appears to be his last season with the club. The WR weapons after Brown are tremendous led by Smith-Schuster who figures to build on his impressive rookie season. Don't lose sight of James Washington who figures to get a lot of touches in the old Martavis Bryant role. Assuming Vance McDonald stays healthy (big if), he and Jesse James will rack up a number of plays down the middle of the field. The OL is intact for another season and is easily one of the top five units in the NFL. Of course Ben is Ben and assuming good health (once again big if) he is poised for another big season.
Special teams are solid. Chris Boswell is one of the top kickers in the league at least inside 50 yards. Jordan Berry is a solid punter. The coverage units are solid and DH Bey does yeoman's work in that regard. I don't think Brown will be used much as a PR so it will be important to get some production from other(s) who will fill that role. Schuster is a dangerous KR but since that skill set is being phased out of the NFL it's not clear how much value that will bring.
Now the not so good news. Jon Bostic can't replace Ryan Shazier. And without Shazier the opponents short passing game can thrive as we saw in the playoffs. Hopefully the coaching staff can for once figure out a way to scheme around problems like this. Otherwise there is plenty of skill elsewhere on the defense, including Watt, Heyward, Hargraves, Tuitt, Haden, Burns, Davis and DuPree. If they can get a consistent pass rush without blitzing too much then there is a chance they can have an above average defense which will make them a viable SB threat.
No changes to the coaching staff. I generally like Tomlin though I cringe at some of his tactical maneuvering at times. Frankly when I look around and see some of the other less than bright minds who are NFL coaches, I feel a little bit better. Kevin Butler has to earn his pay this season. He struggled to come up with schemes after Shazier went down and it cost them big time in the playoffs. Hopefully he's had enough time to put some tings in place.
* Title of thread came to me this morning on the way to work with Metallica playing on the radio in the car. But it seemed very appropriate for this squad as well.