But even with the two Bs having great seasons with Emmanual Sanders gone to the Denver Broncos, there needed to be a second receiver to take some of the pressure off the two Bs. It was time for the youngster Markus Wheaton to step his game up which he did with catches for 53 catches for 644 yards. But the Steelers got an extra bonus in third round draft pick rookie Martavis Bryant who spent the first six games of the season on the practice squad. He finished with 26 receptions, for 549 yards, and a remarkable 8 touchdowns in only 10 games, giving Ben Roethlisberger the big target 6-4, that he had been asking for.
But it doesn’t end there. Heath Miller, who became the forgotten man in several games, once again proved why he is one if not the best all around tight ends in the game. He had 66 receptions for 761 yards, but a very low 3 touchdowns.
All this added up to Big Ben having his greatest statistical season. He finished tied for the NFL lead with Drew Brees for most yards, 4952 on 408 completion of 608 attempts, with 32 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions. This added up to a QB Rating of 103.3 which was third best in the league behind Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys, 113.2 and Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, 112.2. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, 101.5 and Tom Brady, New England patriots, 97.5 rounded out the top 5.
But the real difference this season and what really has the Steelers looking forward to next season is the development of the offensive line.
The offensive line has been a problem for years, partly because of the lack of talent, and partly because Ben held the ball too long, and partly because they only had a so so running attack and none of the starting backs were good receivers.
Well now the Steelers behind offensive line Coach Mike Munchak has one of the best in the business giving Ben all day to pass, while opening holes for the running backs. They are young, talented and have on the most part stayed healthy.
They are led by All Pro Center, Maurkice Pouncey who is probably the best in the game. At guards are David DeCastro who’s on his way to being an All Pro next season, and Ramon Foster, with Chris Hubbard backing them up. At tackles are Marcus Gilbert and Kelvin Beachum, with Mike Adams, who has had his troubles, backing them. Cody Wallace backs Pouncey and can play guard if needed. This line is without a doubt the best since the Larry Brown, Mike Webster, Jon Kolb, Sam Davis, Gerry Mullins line of the ’70s that opened holes for Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier, while giving Terry Bradshaw all day to find Lynn Swann, John Stallworth and Frank Lewis. And they are going to get better.
Even though the numbers and talent look impressive on the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers must improve their game in the Red Zone. This means scoring touchdowns, instead of settling for field goals. And Ben and offensive coordinator Todd Haley must become more consistent. And even more importantly they must be able to have a killer instinct against inferior teams. Stop playing down to the opponent.
In the Ravens game Haley was determine to establish the running game even though he had no quality backs to do it with. He consistently ran the ball on first down, thus putting the offense in predictable situations having to pass on second and long. Instead of putting the ball in Bens’ hands, allowing him to throw the ball on first downs.
If no one leaves, the Steelers offense should be one of the most explosive units in the NFL next season, but what they do with it will depend greatly on the creative skills of Haley, Mike Tomlin and the rest of the offensive coaching staff. The talent is there. There will be no better offensive team in the NFL talent wise.
On defense, despite much concern during the first part of the season, looked very impressive especially the front line in which the young players developed into very dependable players who should be outstanding next season, and the linebacking crew, despite many key injuries, will be second to none next season if they can stay healthy. But look for a shake up in the secondary despite several young players stepping up big time this season.
The defensive line is made up of Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt at ends backed by Cam Thomas and Clinton Geathers. Don’t look for veteran Brett Kelsel to return. Steve McLendon is rapidly becoming one of the best nose tackles in the game. As these young men developed so did the defense. If they stay intact they should be among the best in the game.
Linebackers: Jason Worilds and James Harrison were the outside linebackers but a healthy Jarvis Jones will be moved back into the starting lineup with Harrison having to make the tough decision of whether he’s coming back as a reserve or retire.
In the middle are Ryan Shazier and All Pro Lawrence Timmons backed by Vince Williams and Sean Spence who both are good enough to start on most teams.
Don’t be surprised to see a defensive back be the first player picked in the upcoming draft.
The young Steelers secondary looked impressive even without veterans Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalo, which leads to the question of will Polamalo and Taylor be back next season. With youngsters William Gay, Mike Mitchell, Antwon Blake, Will Allen, Bruce McCain, and Shamarko Thomas working very well together as a unit during the second part of the season it will allow the Steelers to get rid of the big contracts of the veterans to free up money to keep the younger players.
In the College Draft their first round should be a defensive back; the second choice should be a big running back to back up Bell, and third an offensive lineman as backup insurance.
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