put pressure on opposing quarterbacks or the linebackers and defensive backs will be under enormous pressure to produce. Linebacker Jason Worilds led the Steelers with eight sacks last season but has been bothered by a calf injury. He’ll need to come back strong and help lead the defense once again. Depth is an issue throughout the defense—something the Steelers hadn’t dealt with in the past. But consecutive 8-8 seasons are proof that an upgrade was needed at all positions on defense. The Steelers gave up 115.6 rushing yards per game last season and they had to make some changes. Nose tackle Steve McLendon is a key on the line and first-round pick Ryan Shazier, an inside linebacker, could potentially make an immediate impact as a rookie. Pittsburgh has always been stellar stopping the run, but last season was a struggle. If the Steelers prove it was an aberration, success should follow. The Steelers have won a plethora of games by having incredible strength on the defensive line. Pittsburgh added Joey Porter as a defensive assistant coach. Porter, who had 60 career sacks with the Steelers, has been working with all the players, most notably 2013 first round pick Jarvis Jones. As a rookie, Jones had one sack despite an ultra-successful college career at Georgia, which included 28 sacks in his final two seasons. If Porter can get Jones to improve mightily from last season, the Steelers’ defense will receive a huge bonus. This team has won games on defense in the past. To be successful in ’14, the defense must step up in a big way. Defensive Player to Watch Troy Polamalu recently turned 33 yet he was able to play every snap last season. Along the way, the veteran safety accumulated 85 tackles, two interceptions and five forced fumbles. During a stellar career with the Steelers, Polamalu has 710 tackles, 32 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles. Polamalu won The Associated Press’ defensive player of the year award in 2010, and he still has plenty left to give. Polamalu recently signed a three-year extension to remain with the Steelers, and while he’s not the same player he used to be, he can still function at an extremely high level. Polamalu’s leadership skills will be even more important on a retooled team. The Steelers are lacking All-Pro players on defense and they’ll need every ounce of Polamalu’s talent and leadership. Steelers Special Teams There are so many question marks on special teams, especially in the punt return department. Rookie Dri Archer has emerged as a potential player here, but that’s a lot of pressure for a rookie. In terms of kick return coverage, Arthur Moats should make a difference. Kicker Shaun Suisham was one of the Steelers’ most consistent players last season, going 30-for-32 on field goals and 39-for-39 on extra points. Suisham was 8-for-8 from 40-to-49 yards and he didn’t attempt one field goal from 50 yards and beyond. When the Steelers needed a big kick, Suisham came through. Punter Brad Wing will need to find more consistency and place the ball inside the 20-yard line more often. If the kick and punt coverage units perform well, the Steelers will gain big dividends. Prediction An 8-8 season came together with a strong second half. The Steelers can’t afford to get off to another slow start. If they can string together some victories in the first half of the ’14 season, a playoff berth could be on the horizon. Finishing above .500 is certainly attainable but hardly a sure thing. SCOREBOARD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 PLAYOFF FINISH - - WC SB - REGULAR SEASON W-L 8-8 8-8 12-4 12-4 9-7 POINTS PER GAME 23.6 21.0 20.3 23.4 23.0 POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME 23.1 19.6 14.1 14.5 20.2 YARDS PER GAME 337.5 332.7 372.3 345.3 371.3 YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME 337.6 275.8 271.7 276.8 305.3 TURNOVERS 24 29 28 17 23 TAKEAWAYS 20 20 15 35 22 Key Additions: RB LeGarrette Blount, S Mike Mitchell Key Subtractions: WR Emmanuel Sanders, WR Jerricho Cotchery, RB Jonathan Dwyer Rookies: LB Ryan Shazier, DE Stephon Tuitt, RB Dri Archer, WR Martavis Bryant, CB Shaquille Richardson, OL Wesley Johnson, LB Jordan Zumwalt, DR Daniel McCullers, TE Rob Branchflower Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu THEARON W. HENDERSON/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
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