Sending out an S.O.S.

Because of the Steelers' strength of schedule (get it?). In 2020, the Steelers finished with the 3rd easiest schedule.

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other?date=2021-02-08

In 2021, they are projected to have the hardest, based on 2020 records. Of course that can and will change as 2021 records are established, but consider that Bengals are only 6th hardest even with the difference in record between the two teams.

https://eatdrinkandsleepfootball.com/schedule/strength-of-schedule.html

Not counting the Bengals 8-20-2, the Steelers other 14 opponents were 147-95 - .607 winning percentage.

With the decline of the roster, this is setting up to be a long season.

 

Top 5 pick in 2022! Franchise QB

 

Tough schedule without a doubt but some teams that are expected to be good won’t be and vice versa.

Play what is in front of you and try to win every game, simple as that.

 

not overly concerned since Steelers typically drop games they should win and win ones where you think they are likely going to lose.

 

So I saw someone tweet a conspiracy theory that Rooney is just trying to send Ben out with all the records of the 2004 QB class. Ben needs 3093 yards and 26 TD to pass Phil Rivers.

Then they sign JuJu for a year, let the D fall way off, meaning they'll probably have to pass a lot. If they pick a WR in round 1 or 2, I'm wearing that tin foil hat.

 

The odds are good they will be drafting a wr. Which round depends who is available. They pretty much have to with Juju and Washington hitting free agency next year.

 

They normally keep five receivers, they have Juju, Claypool, Diontae, Washington and Ray Ray so in theory there is no roster spot for a draft pick

They could draft a WR / returner and let him battle it out with Ray Ray at camp but with so many other needs it may be hard to justify. They love drafting WR’s though so who knows

If they re-sign one of Juju / Washington next year and draft again they will be fine

 

I hope that someone gets my...
I hope that someone gets my...

Message in a bottle.

 

Road opponents: Cincy, Cleve, Balt, KC, GB, Minn, LAC, Buf

Find three wins.

 

So, are you saying we aren't winning any of these? No one thought Cinci could beat us last year without Burrows, but they did. But seems people don't think it can work the other way in which the underdog Steelers can beat the teams you listed. Quite frankly, I feel better when we play these types of teams vs teams we should beat. I have stated many times we can't get to where we want to go with the same bus driver but I still believe we will be competitive to some degree.

 

That's only 11 games, but out of that 11....I see...5, or 6 wins.

 

You can’t draft with only this year in mind. You have to be looking towards the future. Drafting for this year is how you become the browns, bengals, lions....

 

I'm saying I could easily see us going 2-6 on the road.

 

I’m not suggesting they draft only for this year or try to emulate the teams you mention. They have holes all over the roster, receiver is probably their strongest group even looking at the medium term.

They need OLine, NT, RB, TE, OLB, ILB and DB before a WR in my opinion.

It would be great to take a WR and let them sit behind the starters this year but they only have so many draft picks and with the amount of quality receivers coming out in the draft and available in free agency every year I’m not sure it should be a priority for them in 2021. They have used a 2/3 at WR for four straight years now, I’d prefer they address some of their other more pressing needs both for this year and future years. JMO

 

I honestly think this is a 6-10 or 5-11 team. The Ravens and Browns are tough, the Bengals are improving and the schedule outside the division isn't easy. The Steelers just have too many holes to compete this year. I know ownership doesn't like to use the term 'rebuild', but that's effectively what they are doing whether they admit it or not.

 

OK, that sounds reasonable based on those teams. I 'm just hoping differently and maybe win all our home games and life is good (until we're one and done again). We're so unpredictable. This team does exactly the opposite of what I think its going to do so I can't argue about anything anymore.

 

It's almost like we should've cut bait on all the big contracts and eaten the cap hits at once. Stupid owner is stupid.

 

If the Steelers draft a wide receiver this year, they may as well change their nickname back to the Pirates. Sorry @steel machine I have had this joke in the hopper for a couple of days.

 

Tomlin will somehow finish 9-8.

 

Yep. Ben will get benched after going 1-4.... and Rudolph will go 8-4.

 

Cindy, Cleveland, Baltimore, Minn, LAC

 

Someone's scoring a touchdown with Cindy?

 

8-8-1

 

In reality, @ LAC will have the appearance of a home game. Right Santee Steel? But sadly no more Philip Rivers trying to hush the crowd when he is under center.