2020 was a year of ups and downs for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As we all know, early on in the season the team had its best start in franchise history. Before we knew it, the team was 11-0 and seemed primed to potentially go on a run to lock up the number 1 seed in the AFC playoff race. However, the collapse in which they lost 4 of their last 5, and suffered a first round exit in a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns was imminent. A disappointing end to what began as an extremely promising season.
Although this was a disappointing end for the team and for fans, I believe that there is a lot to build off of going into next season. Some media and fans have speculated that Pittsburgh may go into a full rebuild. Team Owner Art Rooney II came out and confirmed the team was not looking to rebuild. He acknowledged the challenge of this off-season with the potential free agent turnover in regards to the cap space situation going into 2021. Along with this he mentioned that the team must commit to the run game as well. The team ranked dead last in rushing this season, 29th the prior season, and 31st two seasons ago. This is a glaring issue for a team that believes it can win a championship.
Running the ball starts with the offensive line, and if those stats are any indicator, the play needs to be better. There will be turnover on the line, whether it's due to play, or free agency casualties. Let's take a look at the starting five from the end of the season and see what could potentially happen:
Left Tackle: Alejandro Villanueva
Season Summary: The veteran tackle got the starting nod for the fifth straight season, and performed admirably. Villanueva was solid in pass protection, allowing only three sacks all year, receiving a pass block grade of 77.1 according to Pro Football Focus. However, as far as run blocking goes, he was not as prolific . He received a grade of 60.9, and was the 28th ranked tackle. He wasn't great, and on the tape it showed.
Off-Season Prediction: I believe this was Villanueva's last season in the Steel City. His contract is up, and although he's performed admirably as a starter, the upcoming NFL Draft is rich with talent at the tackle position. I think it's a situation that lines up with the team moving on.
Left Guard: Matt Feiler
Season Summary: In his first year at left guard after starting at right tackle the last two seasons, Feiler didn't exactly blow the doors off the place. He had a run block grade of 61.7, a pass block grade of 72.9, and was the 29th ranked guard. He battled some injuries, and was in many people's opinion, out played by rookie guard Kevin Dotson. Feiler, along with Villanueva had a tough time fortifying the left side of the line.
Off-Season Prediction: This one is tough. Due to the fact he did not really make himself a lot of money with his performance this year and his young age, he could potentially end up signing back on a cheap deal. It has been speculated that he could return and compete again for the right tackle spot, which may be good for the team. This is the only way I see Feiler coming back, with rise of Dotson being imminent. I believe he returns on a potentially team-friendly deal if he does not find better money else where, due to his versatility on the line and familiarity with the team.
Center: Maurkice Pouncey
Season Summary: Pouncey had a season where he was voted to the Pro Bowl for the ninth time in his career, but the numbers show that may have had to do more with the fan voting than his actual play. He posted run and pass block grades of 47.9 and 63.2. He was also the 31st ranked center of 37. This was all capped off by the worst play of his career in the beginning of the playoff game against Cleveland. With all this said, he is not a spring chicken anymore, and does things the numbers don't show with his communication skills on the line, and his leadership in the group.
Off-Season Prediction: It has already been announced Pouncey may retire. I believe he does. However, according to reports, Ben Roethlisberger may be able to convince him to stay for one last year, in hopes of winning a championship together. If he does return, it will be his final go.
Right Guard: David DeCastro
Season Summary: DeCastro began the year sidelined due to injury. Once back, he played well, especially in pass protection, with a grade of 79.7. However, to keep in line with the rest of the team, he received an abysmal grade in run blocking, with a grade of 51.7. He was the 34th ranked guard out of 80. He was named to his sixth straight Pro Bowl.
Off-Season Prediction: This one's easy. DeCastro is under contract and comes back for another year. He may not have had his best season this year, but he is still a stalwart on the line and still the best veteran offensive lineman the Steelers have right now.
Right Tackle: Chukwuma Okorafor
Season Summary: Potentially the weakest link this year, Okorafor was plugged into the starting spot he did not earn in training camp during the Week 1 game against the New York Giants when starting tackle Zach Banner went down with an ACL tear. He had some good moments early on, but as the season went on, the moments faded, and it was apparent he was struggling. He received pass and run block grades of 62.5 and 50.1 respectively, and was ranked the 70th tackle out of 80 according to PFF.
Off-Season Prediction: Okorafor will be with the team next year, as he is under contract. Whether he starts again is completely up to him. He will have to work on his all around game this off-season. I believe Banner will be back on a cheap deal to compete for the position again, as well as Feiler potentially as I mentioned before. The team will most likely draft competition for the spot as well, potentially with early draft capital.
The off-season will bring many changes to the team. It is going to be an interesting one to monitor for many players on the team, as well as around the NFL. Regardless of what happens, this offensive line and the run game needs to be better, and the team seems ready to commit to that. Whether these predictions come true or not, the Steelers need to figure it out, one way or another.
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