[Podcast] Season 7 Debrief: Are the Steelers Finally Taking Off?

Title: Season 7 Debrief: Are the Pittsburgh Steelers Finally Taking Off?

As we wrap up the seventh season of our podcast, it’s time to delve into the performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers and analyze whether they are finally set to take off.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League (NFL), have had a rollercoaster journey over the years. The team has had its fair share of highs and lows, with periods of dominance followed by stretches of underperformance. However, recent developments suggest that the Steelers might be on the verge of a significant upturn.

The 2020 Season

The 2020 season was a mixed bag for the Steelers. They started off strong, winning their first 11 games and looking like serious Super Bowl contenders. However, they faltered in the second half of the season, losing five of their last six games, including a disappointing defeat in the first round of the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns.

Despite this late-season collapse, there were several positive takeaways from the season. The defense was among the best in the league, and several young players showed significant promise.

The Offseason

The Steelers made several key moves during the offseason that could potentially propel them to greater heights. They managed to retain star wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a one-year deal, bolstering their receiving corps. They also addressed their running game, which was one of the weakest in the league last year, by drafting Alabama’s Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Perhaps most importantly, they managed to bring back veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for another season. Roethlisberger’s experience and leadership will be crucial for a relatively young Steelers team.

The Upcoming Season

The upcoming season will be a crucial one for the Steelers. They play in one of the toughest divisions in football, the AFC North, which also includes the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.

However, if their key players can stay healthy and their young talent continues to develop, they have a good chance of making a deep playoff run. The addition of Harris should improve their running game, and if the defense can maintain its high level of play, the Steelers could be a force to be reckoned with.

In Conclusion

While it’s too early to say for sure whether the Steelers are finally taking off, there are certainly reasons for optimism. The team has a solid mix of veteran leadership and young talent, and they’ve made some smart moves in the offseason. If everything comes together, the Steelers could be on the verge of a new era of success.

As we gear up for the next season, we will continue to bring you in-depth analysis and insights on our podcast. Stay tuned for more updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers and all things NFL.