AFC North Power Rankings Week One
By Brett Foote
Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) jumps over Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Like the Ravens, the Steelers have been flying under the radar a bit this offseason after a disappointing (for them) finish in 2013. And like the Ravens, you can’t count on them having two disappointing seasons in a row. This is an organization focused on winning, with a fan base that tolerates nothing else.
So why do we think they will be better? For one, we expect sophomore running back Le’Veon Bell to be better, and the Steelers added a real hammer behind him in LeGarrette Blount. Wide receiver Markus Wheaton is a promising player on the rise as well, and the team drafted the incredibly fast Ryan Shazier to be their linebacker of the present and future.
The Steelers got very old on defense very fast last season, and adding Shazier and defensive end Stephon Tuitt will go a long way in reversing that trend. If the team can patch together some decent pass protection from their offensive line, the offense will be just fine. If not, Big Ben will take yet another beating this coming season.