3 ways the media are underestimating the Steelers

Curt Popejoy
·2 min read

(Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Many in the media are selling the AFC as a two-team race. It is fair to look at the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens as the class of the conference but this doesn’t mean they are unbeatable. There are several teams capable of unseating them, first and foremost being the Pittsburgh Steelers. The national media isn’t giving the Steelers their due as a contender but we will.

Here are three ways the media are underestimating the Steelers.

Ben Roethlisberger can’t keep up with Jackson and Mahomes

If you listen to most NFL pundits, the consists of Mahomes and Jackson and everyone else is a significant number of notches below. While we appreciate the sentiment, these are still just mortal men. And as far as the Steelers go, more mortal considering the athleticism of that defense. But this is about Ben Roethlisberger. I know fans want to put Jackson and Mahomes into the HOF now but Big Ben is actually going in when he retires. With the arsenal Roethlisberger has, he can go score for score with every quarterback in the NFL.

The run game is better than advertised

(Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner wants everyone to believe the Steelers cannot run the football but this is a hoax. Ever since Le’Veon Bell left, Pittsburgh has not prioritized the run game. But with four viable starting running backs on the roster and a new and (hopefully) improved offensive line, the Steelers can be much more than a one-dimensional passing offense.

Pittsburgh’s defense can beat anyone

(Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Last season the Pittsburgh Steelers put on the most dominant defensive performance we have seen since Mike Tomlin took over as head coach. The addition of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick put the defense over the top and made them a force to be reckoned with every week. This unit almost dragged a horrible Pittsburgh offense into the playoffs last season. Can you imagine how good this group will be when they can play with a lead and don’t have to go back onto the field after every three-and-out?