Conner, after an injury-marred 2019, appears to be back on track after posting consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. #Nhl 2004 rebuilt 2016 roster pro#That same year, Pittsburgh spent a third round pick running back James Conner, who also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 after averaging 113 all-purpose yards per game. 1 receiver entering his final year under contract. Smith-Schuster was immediately a starter in Pittsburgh, bursting onto the scene as a rookie before winning team MVP honors in 2018. Colbert, who might be the best executive in NFL history as it relates to evaluating receiving prospects, spent a second round pick on JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2017. While defense was the priority from 2014-19, the Steelers also focused on getting their offense complementary pieces that could possibly develop into future stars. The Steelers found the right offensive pieces The current defense is good enough to have a similar run. That's certainly not a bad thing, considering that was the case when Pittsburgh won two Super Bowls and three AFC titles with Big Ben under center. Pittsburgh's defense is so good that it is now considered the strength of the Steelers. The Steelers have also tallied 15 sacks through three games, and, with Hilton's critical fourth quarter interception on Sunday, extended their streak of forcing at least one turnover to nine games. #Nhl 2004 rebuilt 2016 roster free#Free agent signings Mike Hilton, Tyson Alualu and Steven Nelson have each made significant contributions to a unit that is currently fifth in the league in scoring, first in run defense and fourth in red zone efficiency. The acquisition of cornerback Joe Haden just before the start of the 2017 season took Pittsburgh's defense to another level, as did the decision to trade the 2020 first round pick to Miami to acquire free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. It wasn't overnight, but the Steelers' defense gradually developed into one of the league's best units. His worth was reinforced when the Steelers signed him to a multiyear deal just before the start of the season. Cam Heyward, a 2011 first round pick, has developed into one of the league's best defensive tackles. ![]() While he wasn't a first-round pick, defensive end Stephon Tuitt has proven to be a force when healthy. ![]() Watt has 38 sacks and 15 forced fumbles in 50 regular season games. The result was a first-round playoff exit, as Pittsburgh's drought without a postseason win reached four years. The Steelers also recorded just 33 sacks, an unacceptable number for a Pittsburgh defense. Pittsburgh had no issues scoring points, but opposing offenses also didn't have much trouble against a Steelers defense that finished 18th in the league in scoring, 27th in passing yards allowed and 28th in touchdown passes allowed. Big Ben tied Drew Brees for the NFL's passing title, while Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell had two of the best years of their careers. If you're a fan of offense, the 2014 Steelers were the team for you. Pittsburgh committed to improving its defense So how did the Steelers, despite losing several key pieces from their 2016 team that finished a game shy of the Super Bowl, get themselves back in this position so fast? Let's take a look. ![]() ![]() And while the Chargers, Giants, and Patriots bid adieu to their future Hall of Fame quarterbacks this past offseason, the Steelers continue to roll with Roethlisberger, who, at 38 and a year removed from elbow surgery, is playing some of the best football of his career. The Steelers are now 3-0 for the ninth time in franchise history. While it wasn't perfect, Pittsburgh played complementary football when it mattered most, receiving big contributions in all three phases. In many ways, the 28-21 victory exemplified how the Steelers have rebuilt their roster to take advantage of Roethlisberger's golden years under center. Ben Roethlisberger, for the 160th time in his career, got a win, tucking the game ball under his right arm after the Steelers rallied to defeat the visiting Texans on Sunday.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |