Return of several Steelers makes team a Super Bowl contender
When fans talk about the deficiencies of the 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers, several thoughts come to mind.
But what if I told you there was a silver lining to that dark cloud?
Well, there is!
Several players will be returning, or returning to full health, for the 2017 season. Those names mentioned below will help make Pittsburgh an early Super Bowl favorite.
Cameron Heyward
The leader of the Steelers defense, Cam Heyward missed nine games after being placed on Injured Reserve nearly halfway through the 2016 season. In the seven games he appeared, Heyward accumulated three sacks, four passes defensed, and a fumble recovery.
In six years with the Steelers Heyward has started in 52 games, including every game from when he was named a starter in 2013 through the seven he played in 2016. He was an iron man for several seasons until a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him following the Dallas Cowboys game.
The previous two seasons Heyward was one of the team’s leaders in sacks and playing time. His return will help boost a pass rush which, at times, was lacking last season.
Martavis Bryant
Need we say more about Bryant’s presence on the field? The star receiver returns after a year’s absence from suspension and will give an instant adrenaline shot to an already potent Steelers offense.
In 21 games (8 starts) in his first two years in the NFL, Bryant amassed 76 receptions for 1,314 yards and a whopping 14 touchdowns. That averages out to 38 catches, 657 yards and seven touchdowns for each season.
Four Steelers had more than 38 catches in 2016: Antonio Brown (106), Le’Veon Bell (75), Eli Rogers (48) and Jesse James (39). James played in every game, Rogers appeared in 13, while Brown played fifteen (sitting out the finale) and Bell twelve.
Comparing Bryant’s averages with those receivers above, he should add a threat immediately. Also, consider that no Steeler other than AB had double-digit receiving touchdowns. As a matter of fact, none had more than three touchdown receptions aside from Brown.
Therefore Bryant will be welcomed back with open arms, to help the Steelers toward their ultimate goal of a Lombardi trophy.
Bud Dupree
Dupree’s inclusion here may seem odd, but his 2016 season was the opposite of Cam Heyward. Bud sat out the beginning of the season (rather than missing the end) and went on a tear through the month of December. In seven games (four starts; limited in the other three) Dupree had 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defense.
Put him on the field for a full season, and watch what happens. If he plays the full sixteen games, Dupree could easily have a double-digit sack season: something no Steeler has done since the 2010 season (when James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley both eclipsed the double-digit mark).
What else happened in 2010?
The Steelers went to the Super Bowl. (Just saying.)
James Harrison
Speaking of Harrison, did anyone else think he would still be playing?
Instead of waiting to make an announcement on his playing future (as he did the previous offseason) the all-time franchise sacks leader made it known he would be back.
And that’s why he’s included here. Consider the lack of depth at outside linebacker aside from Dupree.
There’s first-round draft pick T.J. Watt, but can he be relied upon as a rookie? No slight towards Watt, but the last time Pittsburgh relied on someone new, it didn’t work out. (See: Jarvis Jones.)
Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo are the other two players who saw some time last season, but also saw those snaps diminish when Harrison was fully utilized later in the season next to a healthy Dupree.
Harrison led the team in sacks in 2016 playing all but one game (the aforementioned season finale where several starters were held out for rest). During the regular season, Harrison forced two fumbles and even picked off a pass. When it has counted the most, in the playoffs he’s added at least two sacks in each of the last two postseasons and added a forced fumble in the Steelers Wild Card game against the Dolphins.
Think his return is a big deal now? (That’s what I thought too!)
