Outlook, Predictions and Thoughts on Our Season

In many ways I feel like this team has enormous potential. However, the O-line is a complete disaster. I have no confidence in it. They can't create holes in the running game and they definitely can't protect our signal callers.

For this reason, I would start Kenny Pickett because I feel like he gets rid of the ball quicker. Although, I do appreciate how well both Trubisky and Rudolph have played in preseason.

Which brings me to our leaky run defense. I'm perplexed as to why the team is keeping Devin Bush. I'm not sure Spillane is much better. Robinson has great potential. I'd start Robinson because I can't believe he'd be any worse, and he has enormous upside. That ain't happening though.

Because our run defense is so bad, the coaching staff will likely move Minkah into the box on a regular basis. This is a big concern to me as Minkah should be used almost exclusively as a centerfielder. This is where he excels, in the box not so much. Which kind of makes Minkah's new deal a bad one, when the coaching staff is taking away his greatest strength, it lowers his value.

As for my predictions on the season, I'll go with a record of up to 10-7 or as low as 8-9 if Pickett is the QB. If Trubisky is the starter I think we'll be as high as 9-8 or a low as 7-10. Hope I'm wrong. Not sure we can make the playoffs when we can't control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

 

I'm thinking 8-9, but honestly I don't have much idea what to expect. Is the official prediction thread up yet?

 

Yes it is.

 

So, you're predicting 7, 8, 9, or 10 wins? Pick a lane.

 

http://thesteelersfans.com/forums/threads/5th-annual-steeler-prediction-poll.28838/

 

I'll guess we will win 8 games. I think 9 wins is the best case scenario. Worst case is we win maybe 4 games. This does not have the look of a playoff team at all but the wild card here is our QB play. Sure if we get pro bowl caliber play out of our Qb's then anything can happen but no sane person on earth would predict that especially running this offense under Tomlin.

The other obvious issue is the run defense. This alone makes me think any opponent worth a crap will easily beat us due to this fact alone. It would take a Mike Tomlin like game plan to lose to us IF our run defense is as bad as it was last season. To over come that kind of weakness you need exceptional QB play.

 

What a strange season...much excitement and optimism, but yet predictions of only 4 wins. That is a big swing on wins between 4 and 10...should be fun, let's get started!

 

I think we’re a solid football team, albeit our O-Line. They will need to find a way to gel. I truly believe we can be a wildcard team. Call me naive but I’m super optimistic

 

A bunch of nonsense