For the first time in what feels like forever, the Pittsburgh Steelers are finding themselves in the underdog role heading into 2019.
Gone is Antonio Brown. Gone is Le'Veon Bell. Gone is the feeling that the Steelers are a shoo-in to make the playoffs in an AFC North division that may end up ruled by the Cleveland Browns (what is going on here?).
Still, Pittsburgh is hardly a bad team, and if things break right, the Steelers could qualify for the postseason.
But that's the thing: a lot of things do need to fall into place, and a lot of guys will certainly need to step up, as Pittsburgh unquestionably does not have as much as talent as it has had in past years.
Here are three things that need to happen for the Steelers to make the playoffs in 2019:
3. James Conner Has to Stay Healthy
One good thing about the Steelers heading into this season is that their offensive line is among the best in the league, so just about any running back in football can probably put up numbers in Pittsburgh's offense.
Still, it would really behoove the Steelers if featured back James Conner can stay healthy in 2019.
Yes, Conner made the Pro Bowl this past season, but he missed three games, which certainly ended hurting Pittsburgh when all was said and done.
With Bell out of the picture for good, Conner has officially come the Steelers' No. 1 back, and in 2018, he showed he is up for the challenge, rushing for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry and hauling in 55 receptions for 497 yards and a score.
But now, with Brown gone, too, the Steelers will lean on Conner even more.
2. A No. 2 Receiver Has to Emerge
With Brown now playing for the Oakland Raiders, JuJu Smith-Schuster is the Steelers' No. 1 wide out, which is fine. But who will assume the role as the No. 2 guy?
Free-agent signing Donte Moncrief seems to be the favorite right now, as he caught 48 passes for 668 yards and three touchdowns with the Indianapolis Colts this past season, but he will have to be better in 2019 for Pittsburgh's offense to flourish.
The Steelers also have receivers like James Washington and Ryan Switzer who will need to be a big part of the offense, as well.
Basically, Pittsburgh's receiving corps have a lot to prove with Brown gone, and if the Steelers want to make a playoff push, someone will have to come up big behind Smith-Schuster.
1. Ben Roethlisberger Needs to be a Better Leader
Brown certainly deserves his fair share of the blame for what happened in Pittsburgh's locker room this past year, but Ben Roethlisberger also needs to shoulder some responsibility, as Brown is not the only teammate with whom the quarterback has had issues.
Roethlisberger said he is making an effort to change his ways, and while that would have been nice a few years ago, I guess it's better late than never.
What we can say is that the biggest reason for the Steelers' collapse in 2018 was because of their shaky locker room, so if Roethlisberger can lead better and forge a stronger relationship with his teammates moving forward, it will make Pittsburgh that much more prepared to try and make it back to the postseason.
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