SB Window Closing on Steelers and Broncos

[vmax]

Gil Brandt knows football. He has 6 teams that are on their last gasp is this year.

 

 

 

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As the season approaches, I thought I'd highlight each team facing something like a "now or never" situation in 2013. These are the contenders for whom time seems to be running out -- teams that have a chance to make noise this year, but face serious questions in 2014. These squads had better take advantage of what might be their last, best shot to win for some time, because storm clouds are gathering. Teams are arranged according to the likelihood that hard times will come in 2014.

1) Pittsburgh Steelers

 

The Steelers' defense is getting older. The important trio of cornerback Ike Taylor (33 years old), safety Troy Polamalu (32) and linebacker LaMarr Woodley (28) is coming off a season in which each guy missed significant time. Of course, that didn't stop Pittsburgh from ranking first in total defense and sixth in scoring D, but it will be very difficult to maintain that performance level with such an old core. In March, meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger turned 31, the age at which most quarterbacks hit the wall and begin to regress, especially when it comes to key metrics like completion percentage, interceptions and touchdown passes.

I think Pittsburgh is good enough to contend in 2013, but things promise to get more difficult in 2014, especially considering the competition in the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are both set with promising young quarterbacks in Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton, respectively, meaning they'll likely be even tougher to beat a season from now.

 

5) Denver Broncos

 

The Broncos look to be in good shape for 2013, thanks to the additions of free agent receiver Wes Welker and rookie running back Montee Ball, but the age of quarterback Peyton Manning makes the future a bit murkier beyond that. By 2014, Manning will be 38 and starting his 17th year in the league. You have to wonder how long he can continue to excel. If Manning needs relief this year or next, who will the Broncos turn to? Current backup Brock Osweiler has raw talent, but lacks experience; I don't see a young quarterback on their roster who can step in and play well. Manning is still thriving, but think of Johnny Unitas and how he eventually fell off after leaving the Baltimore Colts for the San Diego Chargers at age 40.

On the defensive side of the ball, cornerback Champ Bailey is 35, while coordinator Jack Del Rio has to find someone to replace departed defensive end Elvis Dumervil, so that opposing offenses can't solely focus on outstanding pass rusher Von Miller.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000216958/article/pittsburgh-steelers-new-york-giants-head-nowornever-teams

 

 

 

[cravnravn]

Not to start shit, but success for Pittsburgh would be beating Cleveland week 17 and finishing 7-9

[thesteelhurtin]

Been hearing how the Steelers are done since 04 you think these guys would learn.

[cravnravn]

No you havent, knuckleheads are picking the Steelers THIS year..Based upon what? pure homerism if you ask me.

[thesteelhurtin]

No there is a few good things to like about the Steelers this year. The defense is still solid don't let the age fool you. Jones or Worilds will be better then Harrison was last year and Woodley actually looks to be in shape. The defense wasn't the problem. Throw is a capable back up future starter at FS in Thomas and a another future starter in Williams at ilb. Don't forget Hawthorne from Illinois was highly rated as a corner and if he can stay healthy he has Steelers corner written all over him. This defense isn't as old as it looks on paper. Also throw in the beast in the middle of all that and watch out. McClendon is going to have a huge year this year. No he isn't Hampton he is not going to sit there and take up 3 holes but not move he is a pocket collapser. Your cut blocks aren't going to work on him he is too quick and I think he has been doing some sort of martial arts for his hand movements.

 

The offense is young very young. The Steelers will start Brown, Sanders, and Wheaton at wr. None of those guys have Wallace's speed but unlike Wallace all three can line up at all three spots, run crisp routes, and catch the ball with their hands. Now if you read up on Brown he is a natural leader in the way he plays, trains, and lives his life so the wrs have their leader. The oline is young and has some question marks but the only real question is Gilbert at LT. Pouncey is clearly the leader there. Now onto the backfield. The Steelers FB Will Johnson is going to be better this year then last as he was a rookie changing from TE to FB. Bell was Mich St offense. No threat at qb or wr and his line sucked yet he produced week in and week out. That's why he is in the black and gold and not Lacy. Bell can catch out of the backfield and has the speed and moves to break a long one. Redman looks to be in the best shape since he arrived here stating he used all off-season to work on his speed. Ben is Ben and was rolling before the injury last year which was a freak injury. Let's not forget the addition of Larod Stephens-Howlings either. He brings a whole new element to this offense as well.