Everyone at Steeler Nation must prepare for a 2021 season that does not include quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Despite Roethlisberger’s desire to return, the board appears to be more focused on resolving the finances of a return and, if the two sides fail to reach a compromise, will leave Big Ben.
At the same time, the front line has been firm in saying that this team will not rebuild and plan to be a competitive team in 2021, regardless of whether Roethlisberger is part of it.
How does it happen? First of all, the Steelers defense must return to its 2019 form. And they have to do so without strings, Bud Dupree. This defense took the team to 8-8 with a combination of Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges in the center.
This puts enormous pressure on defensive coordinator Keith Butler. A consistent passing race shouldn’t be a problem for TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, but minimizing coverage errors and narrowing the race defense will be a priority. Get teams out of the field on casualties.
What else needs to happen? This reconstruction of the offensive line for which we have been begging has to happen and it has to work. It is one thing to bring in several new starters, but that is no guarantee that they will be better than the guys they will replace.
Finally, the skill of the players must increase for those under the center. The Steelers led the NFL in missed passes last season and the rushed attack was nonexistent. A repeat of those for areas with Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins in the center and the still have his highest draft choice under coach Mike Tomlin.
Last and probably the least, the Steelers shouldn’t close the door on a new quarterback. There are five franchise-level defenders in this next draft, and if one of them falls to Steelers in choice # 24, Pittsburgh may be inclined to recruit him to build for the future.