The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have experienced a series of ups and downs in recent seasons. Following a period of rebuilding after the retirement of key players like Ben Roethlisberger and the departure of other long-time contributors, the Steelers have worked diligently to retool their roster and re-establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender. After a challenging stretch of injuries and inconsistent performances, the Steelers’ fortunes took a promising turn with the return of three key players—one of whom is their standout center.
As of Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season, the Steelers are receiving a huge boost with the return of these crucial players, which could help solidify their playoff aspirations. Let’s dive deeper into how these returns, particularly that of their standout center, will impact the Steelers’ offense, defense, and overall season outlook.
The Importance of the Center Position
To understand just how significant the return of the Steelers’ standout center is, one must first grasp the role the center plays in the NFL. In addition to snapping the ball to the quarterback, the center is crucial in calling out protections and making pre-snap adjustments to help keep the pocket secure. For an offense that relies on cohesion and timing, the center is often viewed as the anchor of the offensive line.
The Steelers’ standout center, who had been sidelined due to injury, is recognized not only for his leadership on the field but also for his ability to control the line of scrimmage. He is one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen, known for his strength, technique, and intelligence. His return to the starting lineup has immediately made the Steelers’ offensive line more stable and effective, allowing the offense to function with greater rhythm.
The Steelers’ offensive line had struggled in his absence, as his leadership and expertise in pass protection and run blocking were sorely missed. Without him, the offensive line became more susceptible to pressure, particularly in the interior. Running back Najee Harris was often unable to find consistent lanes to run through, and quarterback Kenny Pickett faced increased pressure in the pocket.
With the return of their standout center, however, the Steelers’ offensive line is significantly bolstered. The center’s presence stabilizes the line and helps the entire offensive unit. His ability to read and adjust the protections helps Pickett feel more comfortable in the pocket, while his ability to open up running lanes gives Harris a better chance to find space and make plays.
Moreover, the center’s return has ripple effects on the other offensive linemen. As the quarterback of the line, the center often helps guide younger players or those still adjusting to starting roles. His leadership and ability to communicate line calls ensure that the entire unit is on the same page, which is especially important in an offense that has seen some growing pains at the quarterback and running back positions.
A Stronger Offensive Line and Improved Playcalling
The Steelers’ offensive line has been one of the team’s most notable areas of improvement in 2024. As they look to grow into a more balanced, effective unit, the return of their center represents a major leap forward. The offensive line will now have more consistency, which in turn will allow for better execution of offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s playcalling.
With a more stable and cohesive offensive line, the Steelers’ offense is expected to gain more rhythm in both the running and passing games. A better offensive line gives Canada the flexibility to call a broader range of plays, from deep shots downfield to more complex run designs that capitalize on the strengths of Harris and the rest of the backfield.
The center’s return also eases the burden on quarterback Kenny Pickett. A quarterback’s success is closely tied to the performance of the offensive line, and Pickett has shown in the past that he performs at his best when the line gives him time to read defenses and make decisions. The added protection could allow Pickett to settle into a more consistent rhythm, improving his overall play and helping him to develop into a more reliable leader under center.
Return of Key Players Bolsters the Defense
In addition to the return of their standout center, the Steelers also welcomed back two key defensive players who had been sidelined for several weeks. These players, who are integral to Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme, add depth and experience to a defense that is already one of the most formidable in the league.
The Steelers’ defense, led by head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, has always been the backbone of the team. With the return of these defensive playmakers, the Steelers have reinforced their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, stop the run, and create turnovers. In the NFL, defense often wins championships, and with these players back in the lineup, the Steelers’ defense will only become more dangerous.
The addition of these key defensive players gives Pittsburgh more options in terms of defensive schemes and personnel packages. Their return will help keep opposing offenses on their toes, as the Steelers can now rotate more fresh bodies into the game and apply pressure in a variety of ways. Whether it’s through more aggressive blitzes or stronger coverage in the secondary, these players’ return gives the Steelers’ defense more flexibility and versatility.
Furthermore, the improved defense has a significant impact on the offense. When a defense is playing at a high level, it gives the offense more opportunities by forcing turnovers or getting stops, which leads to shorter fields and better starting positions. This allows the offense to operate more efficiently, putting less pressure on the quarterback to make perfect throws and giving the running back more chances to find success.
Improved Depth and Flexibility
Another key benefit of these three players returning is the added depth they bring to their respective units. In the NFL, injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and teams that can manage injuries well are often the ones that make deep playoff runs. The return of these key players means that the Steelers now have more depth across the roster, which should help them weather any future injuries that may occur during the remainder of the season.
For example, with a full-strength offensive line, the Steelers can rotate players in and out more effectively, reducing the wear and tear on their starters. This is especially important as the season enters the final stretch, where every game becomes critical and the physical demands of the season begin to take their toll.
Similarly, on defense, the added depth allows the Steelers to rotate their defensive line and linebackers more frequently, ensuring that their best pass rushers and run stoppers are fresh and ready to go. Depth is critical in the NFL, particularly in the latter part of the season when teams are fighting for playoff positioning.
Playoff Implications and Future Outlook
With these key players back in the fold, the Steelers’ outlook for the remainder of the season looks much brighter. Currently positioned in the middle of the AFC playoff race, the Steelers have a real shot at making a push for a wildcard spot, or even securing a division title if they can string together some wins in the second half of the season.
The return of the standout center is particularly important because it strengthens the offensive line, which has been a weak point in recent seasons. With more protection for Pickett and better holes for Harris to run through, the offense should become more dynamic and capable of keeping pace with the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
On the defensive side, the return of key players means the Steelers can continue to rely on their defense as the anchor of their team. The ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and create turnovers will be critical in the coming weeks as the team faces tough opponents.
While the Steelers have a long way to go to be considered Super Bowl contenders, the return of these three players significantly increases their chances of making a deep playoff run. With the right blend of offensive and defensive talent, the Steelers could very well surprise some teams down the stretch and make noise in January.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers have received a massive boost with the return of three key players, including their standout center. This trio of players provides significant upgrades to both the offensive and defensive units, stabilizing the offensive line and giving the defense added depth and versatility. With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the Steelers now have a much better chance of making a push for the postseason, and possibly even a deeper run in the playoffs. The impact of these returns cannot be overstated—these players are crucial to the Steelers’ success, and their presence on the field should provide the team with the stability and confidence they need to make a legitimate postseason push.
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