The Steelers Are Legit Super Bowl Contenders

[Omar10213245]

You are correct, sir. It's the rum.

My prediction will be the usual 10-7 (hey, I was right the last two years) and they get smoked in the WC game by the Bungles, Rats, Bills, or Chefs.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Agreed which is why I posted a few, to show the wide range of guesses, Rodgers said he thinks we're in the 10-12 range.

Coryea, thanks for all your great post(s) along the way, appreciate them.


I’m not as generous as the Rodgers, I put them in the 14-18 range.

They can move up fast once they play and show us what they’ve got.

I hope this offense is opened up and the FedEx boy can deliver…………….




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

I’d say Ralph Vachiano is smokin’ some crack

6th overall…lmfao
Yeah they’re ahead of the Commandes and Lions

Ralph been hangin in Richard’s closet, lotta teams in really weird spots on that list

The last Vegas win totals I saw had 15 teams with a higher number than the Steelers 8.5 and 4 even with them which would put them in the 16-20 range which seems to make way more sense than 6th.

I’ve got them between 14 and 18.

The level of sophistication as to my system of ranking is to hard to explain, you’ll just have to take my word on that……….



Salute the nation

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

You can like him but don't you dare question him and his record!

As others have mentioned, Penn State football has been a frigg'n mess since the Sandusky ****. I personally know a few prominent people who have been involved in that re-building effort and there have been a lot hurdles, politics, and influence at play. I'm sure it's affected Franklin and his ability to recruit and retain some players but there is something in his coaching style or culture that makes his teams choke harder than Supe eating Soup. He's friends with Cael, perhaps something is beginning to rub off on Franklin...I hope so. WE ARE!!

What I like about Franklin is his willingness to change. He recognized the need to be more aggressive on offense so he fired Yurcich mid season and went after Kotalnicki. I think they wanted to be more aggressive last year but the WRs sucked.

They had a real shot against Ohio State last year. Most years they keep it close and are just holding on to stay close. Last year they had a lead, they were moving the ball. Allar threw what should have been a TD but the WR let the DB steal it away. If they had a decent WR, that's a TD and a different game. The talent gap is closing.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Are you going to stalk him and complain every time someone mentions Franklin?

quit being a sore ***.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

I’ve got them between 14 and 18.

The level of sophistication as to my system of ranking is to hard to explain, you’ll just have to take my word on that……….



Salute the nation

I’ve got em at the 12-16 range so I’m right there with ya.

I did take the over 8.5, but I’m quite skeptical they really crush the Vegas expectations and break 11-12 wins to put them in the upper echelon top 6 range like the Fox News crack smoker has em.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Yahoo has us at 20, ESPN has us at 19, USA Today has us at 10, Bleacher Report has us at 13.

Average those all out and we’re right at 13.5
As fringe a playoff contender as a team can get…ripe for a WC blowout as the 7 seed.

The math check out, I’d buy that

 

[Coryea]

quit being a sore ***.

LOL, what's the matter, you don't like having a stalker?

 

[Lunar]

Is there even a glass at all? ... or are we all in the matrix?

If we are in the Matrix, then I will the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory!

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

LOL, what's the matter, you don't like having a stalker?

i dont have a man crush...

 

[Coryea]

i dont have a man crush...

You have a thing for Tom Donahue and Women's restrooms, don't be ashamed.

 

[gk1951]

All 32 teams are contenders for the superbowl till the season starts.

The Steeler are a contender for a playoff spot. I won't go beyond that.

I hope this team solidifies the first 3 weeks of the season.

 

[Drink IRON City]

If we are in the Matrix, then I will the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory!

Yes, the Matrix is present, but don’t forget who you are………… Luke




Salute the nation

 

[TimesAreChanged]

The Ravens beat the sorriest team in the playoffs with a HC that brought an asinine gameplan to the “contest” handing them an ez out.

As long as Lamar is their QB I don’t consider them a true contender…just another pretender.

Jackson has been one of the league's best QB the past couple years. Check out his numbers - which are obscene and would be very welcome in Pittsburgh

Check out his gameplay, actually watch the game. And check out his stats. He's a top 5 NFL QB. You sound stupid when you make statements like this without having watched him

 

[WindyCitySteel]

The rum doesn't change my opinion, it just makes me not give a **** about posting it and seeing the negativity.

For those who think I'm crazy, tell me what I was wrong about in that post.

They have a lot of key players they’re counting on who are 30+ (40+ in one case) and/or haven’t been able to stay healthy, or are unknowns (Fautanu, Jones, 2-3 rookies). The chances of everything breaking their way are very small. Coupled with the fact that the Bengals and Chiefs are likely to bounce back, the Bills and Ravens are still there, not seeing it, even remotely.

Then there is the coaching staff, smothered by Tomlin’s desire to minimize risk in every aspect of the game, who will be easily out-schemed by the better teams come playoff time.

The Super Bowl they won was because of Ben and that team he inherited, including Arians and LeBeau. Ever since he took control of the operation 10+ years ago, they haven’t won a thing.

 

[SteelerFan448]

They have a lot of key players they’re counting on who are 30+ (40+ in one case) and/or haven’t been able to stay healthy, or are unknowns (Fautanu, Jones, 2-3 rookies). The chances of everything breaking their way are very small. Coupled with the fact that the Bengals and Chiefs are likely to bounce back, the Bills and Ravens are still there, not seeing it, even remotely.

Then there is the coaching staff, smothered by Tomlin’s desire to minimize risk in every aspect of the game, who will be easily out-schemed by the better teams come playoff time.

The Super Bowl they won was because of Ben and that team he inherited, including Arians and LeBeau. Ever since he took control of the operation 10+ years ago, they haven’t won a thing.

Tomlin is at his best when he has star power and when the stars can shine. He has that on defense. Heyward, Watt, Queen, Ramsey, and Slay (if he holds up) is a lot of experience and elite-level talent. There is the age factor--and that's huge--but even one more good year and the Steelers have something. There's a lot of young talent with Benton, Harmon, Wilson, Highsmith, and JPJ as well. On paper, the upgraded secondary should allow this defense to play at an elite level. An even modest improvement by the offense and this team is going from competing for the 6th/7th spot and getting blown out to competing for division and a chance at a playoff win.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Tomlin is at his best when he has star power and when the stars can shine. He has that on defense. Heyward, Watt, Queen, Ramsey, and Slay (if he holds up) is a lot of experience and elite-level talent. There is the age factor--and that's huge--but even one more good year and the Steelers have something. There's a lot of young talent with Benton, Harmon, Wilson, Highsmith, and JPJ as well. On paper, the upgraded secondary should allow this defense to play at an elite level. An even modest improvement by the offense and this team is going from competing for the 6th/7th spot and getting blown out to competing for division and a chance at a playoff win.

That’s a very glass 90% full take on this Defense

From the contrary side:
You’ve got a highly paid Watt who is easily schemed out of effective play evidenced by the stretch run last year.
You’ve got Heyward another year closer to pasture who will likely not repeat the crazy good season he had last year, likely some fall off..:maybe he is just good not great this year.
Queen has yet to shine and so far looks like an overpaid acquisition.
Ramsey has been ok his last two teams, but has become a hostage at both…how long until he goes full blown hostage in Pit if/when things go south?
Slay another year older and dreadful in contested catches…just throw his way the receiver will win even if he looks covered. His guy always looked covered cuz he doesn’t give separation but damn he sucks when the ball comes his way.

The young talent…
Benton flashes but lacks consistency
JPJ just too damn grabby, has he cleaned up his technique?
Herbig very light in the pants vs the run-liability as a one trick pass rush pony.
Peyton Wilson waiting for his next injury and another run liability.
Harmon…when will that required surgery become pressing?

Two sides to every coin that was the 10% full perspective.
Sure it’s the offseason and I’d prefer to be optimistic but I’d hardly call this D loaded with star power, at this point I’d say there is a ton of potential…for greatness or disaster.

Usually when that is the case the truth lays somewhere in the middle ground. I’d wager they end up in the 8-12 range in most defensive rankings, which for the investment on them would indeed be a disappointment/underachievement.

Hopefully all the moving parts can gel under a weak defensive scheme and shine, somehow

 

[Coryea]

Tomlin is at his best when he has star power and when the stars can shine. He has that on defense. Heyward, Watt, Queen, Ramsey, and Slay (if he holds up) is a lot of experience and elite-level talent. There is the age factor--and that's huge--but even one more good year and the Steelers have something. There's a lot of young talent with Benton, Harmon, Wilson, Highsmith, and JPJ as well. On paper, the upgraded secondary should allow this defense to play at an elite level. An even modest improvement by the offense and this team is going from competing for the 6th/7th spot and getting blown out to competing for division and a chance at a playoff win.

I think Tomlin is at his best when he has a HOF defensive coordinator running his defense.

Tomlin does nothing to help Watt out, he allows him to be chipped doubled, tripled. I agree on paper the defense should be better, but that's counting on Heyward to remain at the top of his game.

I have zero optimism that Tomlin will actually do much different than he always does. The talent on D is good enough to win the usually 8, 9 10 games, but once we get in the playoffs and face a good coach and good team, he'll look JV again and get totally out coached.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I think Tomlin is at his best when he has a HOF defensive coordinator running his defense.

Tomlin does nothing to help Watt out, he allows him to be chipped doubled, tripled. I agree on paper the defense should be better, but that's counting on Heyward to remain at the top of his game.

I have zero optimism that Tomlin will actually do much different than he always does. The talent on D is good enough to win the usually 8, 9 10 games, but once we get in the playoffs and face a good coach and good team, he'll look JV again and get totally out coached.

What was great because he would go out there and beat his man one-on-one. That's what I mean when I say Tomlin is at his best when he's staying out of the way and letting his players make plays. That should involve allowing them (and I mean only the ones capable) to freelance like Polamalu, Harrison, etc. did back in the day.

 

[Troglodyte]

The over/under is 8.5 wins and +4000 to win the Super Bowl.

I think their cieling is 12-5 and a divisional playoff appearance and their floor is 7-10.

 

[Coryea]

What was great because he would go out there and beat his man one-on-one. That's what I mean when I say Tomlin is at his best when he's staying out of the way and letting his players make plays. That should involve allowing them (and I mean only the ones capable) to freelance like Polamalu, Harrison, etc. did back in the day.

Agreed, but I think back in the day, it was more LeBeau running his own defense. Tomlin was what 34, a first time head coach, he wasn't going to walk in and tell LeBeau and Arians step aside we're doing things the way I want. He had to let them run their schemes until he built up some tenure and ego.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Agreed, but I think back in the day, it was more LeBeau running his own defense. Tomlin was what 34, a first time head coach, he wasn't going to walk in and tell LeBeau and Arians step aside we're doing things the way I want. He had to let them run their schemes until he built up some tenure and ego.

Add in that Tomlin’s answer was to hire “Friends” and keep them way past their expiration dates.

This includes Bubbles, yes there are all-pro skill players but continuously see others out of position or don’t know the rules. Also ill prepared back ups.

Remember he gets 1, but occasionally two ST’s “ace” that he gets to pick.




Salute the nation

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Add in that Tomlin’s answer was to hire “Friends” and keep them way past their expiration dates.

This includes Bubbles, yes there are all-pro skill players but continuously see others out of position or don’t know the rules. Also ill prepared back ups.



Salute the nation

Tomlin “the GOAT herder” being the great friend he is uses his friendships and nepotism to build his herd. It’s always good to have scapegoats at the ready when things go south from his asinine schemes.

 

[Litos]

The over/under is 8.5 wins and +4000 to win the Super Bowl.

I think their cieling is 12-5 and a divisional playoff appearance and their floor is 7-10.

I wouldn't mind leaving 10$ on those odds

 

[bigben]

Yeah, i said it. Maybe it's because I drank too much of a gift bottle of rum (Presser's British Navy Rum). but I believe it. Before you go nuts thinking of weaknesses and voicing years of steeler fan PTSD due to playoff drought, take a breath and remember. Not every Super Bowl winner was a great team, they just had everything come together at the right time. The Steelers SB win vs the crybaby Seahawks is proof of that. So are both Raven SB wins.

Remember the old joke. Two guys come across a bear in the woods. One guy says "we should run". The other guy says "We'll never outrun that bear. The first guy says "I don't need to outrun the bear, I just need to outrun you!

That's how you win the Super Bowl. You don't have to be some flawless team. You just have to find a way to win each week in the playoffs.

What's the main way to do that? It helps to be awesome. But more often than not it's more about not being terrible at any one thing. In other words, being versatile.

The Ravens are usually very good on defense and run offense. They fail in the playoffs because at some point they get in a game that goes off their script and Lamar needs to make plays from the pocket, and he's hit or miss at that.

Putting injuries aside, here's how i see the 2025 Steelers

I think the OL will be very good. That's the biggest variable. If this OL is top 10 then the Steelers are absolutely a factor. Frazier had a great rookie year. His floor is above average starter and his ceiling is one of the best in the league. I don't think he'll ever be Dermonti Dawson good, but he can absolutely be Pouncey or Hartings good. McCormick likewise looks like a solid starter. Fautanu looked great last preseason and I expect him to upgrade RT.

Broderick Jones is the question. He has the talent. His problem seems that he's too nice. Somebody needs to tell him it's OK to be a villain between the whistles. Remember the late great Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips in Rocky 3. Before and after the bout, he's super nice. But when that bell rings, he tries to kill Rocky.

Najee is a good RB but he sucks at zone runs. Tomlin's main weakness is pride. He never wants to admit he's wrong, so he was going to feed Najee the ball to prove he was right rather than to give it to the obviously better fit, Warren. Now they have Warren and Kaleb Johnson who are both perfect fits for what Arthur Smith wants to do.

I believe the Steelers will have a very good run game. Better blocking, better backs, and a more consistent passing game to open it up. That's the key to Smith offense, or any offense really. Look at Detroit, they have a reliable run game which opens things up for mediocre Jared Goof to make plays.

That's the base, a strong run game, that may take a month or so to get going but by the end of the year could be brutal. Throwback to Bettis and Barry Foster where we're running the ball and you wussies won't do **** to stop us.

With run threat established, we get to see the real Arthur Smith offense which is all about play action. Metcalf is a huge upgrade to Pickens who only played hard when he felt like it. When you have a run threat and a real WR1, it makes it easier for the rest. There's clamor for a new WR2. Maybe they'll still get one, but they're OK so long at DK stays healthy.

Look at the Eagles. They have AJ Brown and Devonte Smith. If Brown gets hurt, they're in trouble. Smith is good as a #2, but can he carry the load? He didn'tt even carry the load at Bama where he played with Ruggs, Jeudy, Waddle, and Jameson Williams. The point is that Calvin Austin or Roman Wilson pair with a strong run game and DK Metclaf can be very effective as WR2, especially with Feiermuth and Jonuu SMith in the mix.

Then there's Aaron Rodgers. He showed last year he still had the arm talent. The Jets just suck. They had no run game and Garrett Wilson and Rodgers never really clicked.

I don't think the steelers offense will be top 5 but it should be good. Rodgers, coupled with a good run game plus weapons like Metcalf, Freiermuith, Smith, Austin, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods should deliver a versatile offense that can win multiple ways. They can win when the **** hits the fan.


Defense should be top 10 at the worst, with the potential of being best in the league. Watt and Highsmith are excellent edge rushers with Herbis and Sawyer providing depth. If Harmon is a stud then the DL is hugely upgraded. They can give Cam Heyward some rest and have more rotation.

Ramsey is an ugrade to Minkah. Minkah is a good player but Ramsey is much more versatile. Slay is a really good outside man CB. JPJ could have a breakout year and Ramsey can be that chess piece they've missed since Piolamalu.

Bottom line
Excellent Defense
Good offense with a chance to be near top 10 and a QB that limits turnovers.

Here's the other main reason the Steelers are a contender.

There is no great team in the NFL. There's no Montana 49ers or Aikman Emmitt Cowboys, or Cheater Brady Patroits.

The steelers don't need to outrun the bear, they just need to outlast a few otyher flawed NFL teams.

Let the PTSD whie fest commence

Coconut water goes great with Rum.

I hope you are right!

My biggest concerns with you're points listed are.

My Thoughts

Broderick Jones is almost sure to disappoint

Roman Wilson is also not NFL caliber, over drafted from a college program he had 1 good season, But, Michigan stole the defensive signals, any WR is going to disproportionately benefit from that.

Metcalf was not worth 34 million. If you look at the stats He has almost identical numbers to Devonta smith over the past 3 seasons Yards catches TD. Neither guy is a True #1. All opinions aside, If the numbers say you are a number 2, you are a number 2, 3 seasons is a large enough sample size for relevance

With the reporters saying Scotty Miller is the best WR at camp, Let the alarm bells ring.

Arthur smith has not had a winning offense without Derrick Henry, Had the #1 RB in the draft in Bijan. Underperformed under Smith. Bijan broke out AFTER Smith was fired. Jaylen Warren took a step backwards last year under Smith.

I am excited for the defense, cautiously optimistic but feel like this offense is a few very important pieces short. Tackle has been a problem for how many years now?? Don't see a world where Jones doesn't get Rodgers killed.
Excited for Johnson, Him and Warren should be able to do some damage.