By Jacob Jensen
SteelerNation.com
1. DEVIN BUSH
The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up 10 spots to select Devin Bush in this year's NFL Draft. Bush will be expected to start early in the season, and hopefully he will fill the hole that’s been in the Steelers' defense since the Ryan Shazier injury back in December 2017.
2. STEVEN NELSON
The Steelers went out in free agency and signed cornerback Steven Nelson. Nelson brings an ability to intercept passes, something the defense struggled with this past year. This last year, he had four INT’s. Having two good starting cornerbacks make it even harder to pass for opposing teams. With the addition of Bush and Nelson, the Steelers defense has the potential to be really good.
3. WEEK 1
This year, the Steelers will open their season up against the New England Patriots, in New England. This seems like it is going to be an early test for the Steelers, and a chance to prove that they are serious. Although, historically the Steelers haven’t had the best start to seasons. But if they do come out and beat the Patriots, then it could be a foreshadowing of things to come.
4. ANGRY BIG BEN
This off-season has been a crazy one (if you need a refresher, there are plenty of stories on SteelerNation.com about it) and a lot has been said about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This year, Big Ben will have something to prove. Hopefully this will result in a big year that will lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl.
5. UNDERDOGS
Another thing that has happened this season is the Cleveland Browns. They have been crowned the Off-Season Champions and many people have predicted them to win the AFC North. Although I am glad that Cleveland might be good again because I feel like it’s good for football, I don’t want that success to come at the Steelers' expense. It’s been awhile since the Steelers have been underdogs to the Browns, but it’ll make for an exciting fight for the AFC North crown.
6. THE WR’s
With the number 1 guy gone to Oakland, it’ll be cool to see how this wide receiver core steps up. I am excited to see if Juju Smith-Schuster can step up and be a number 1 wide receiver. It’ll also be cool to watch the battle for the number 2 spot and see who fills in for the slot.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after 20 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
7. WE HAVE A TEAM
If you've been following the Steelers' players on social media lately, you would've seen a lot of players poking fun at each other, or funny videos they have made together, or even them having cook-offs together. They seem like they are more than just co-workers, but a family. I think that’s really important because in the NFL, players don’t win championships, teams do.
How excited are you for the upcoming NFL Season? Leave your comments below!
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