2015 NFL Preview: These aren't your daddy's Steelers

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Pittsburgh Steelers

After emerging from the pack to win the AFC North crown, the Steelers' pursuit of a seventh Lombardi trophy ended at the hands of the hated Baltimore Ravens. Star running back Le'Veon Bell missed the game due to injury and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was sacked five times and threw two interceptions.

Highlight of 2014

The Steelers produced plenty of memorable plays on offense en route to becoming the first team in history with a 4,500-yard passer, 1,500-yard receiver, and 1,300-yard rusher in the same season, but how often does a player get to kick a hated divisional rival in the face?

Preseason Power Ranking - #8

The Steelers have long been known for their defense, but now, it's all about the offense. Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a career year and has two of the NFL's best offensive weapons at his disposal in Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Pittsburgh's in a good position to reclaim the AFC North. More...

2015 Season Outlook

Schedule | Roster

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
Off. Coordinator: Todd Haley
Def. Coordinator: Keith Butler

Tomlin is back for his ninth season in black and gold, this time with a brand-new contract reportedly worth at least $7 million annually in hand. After a rocky start to their relationship, Tomlin and Haley have meshed to craft one of the NFL's deadliest offenses.

On the other side of the ball, someone not named Dick LeBeau will run the show for the first time since 2004. Butler isn't a new face in the organization – he's been with the team as the linebackers coach since 2003 – but he's never been a defensive coordinator in the NFL before, and it could take him some time to adjust to the role.

Key Additions

• LB Bud Dupree (first round)
• RB DeAngelo Williams
• K Garrett Hartley

Key Departures

• S Troy Polamalu
• LB Jason Worilds
• CB Ike Taylor
• DE Brett Keisel
• WR Lance Moore

As usual, the Steelers were minor players in free agency, leaving the team with some potentially very significant holes on defense. These aren't your daddy's Steelers. This is a team that will have to win by outscoring opponents rather than suffocating them with strong defensive play.

Worilds' abrupt retirement left the Steelers with little choice but to ask the first-round pick Dupree to be a Day 1 starter and an impact player. Otherwise, it's unclear how this team will generate any pass rush.

Williams was signed to provide a stable backup for starter Bell. He'll get plenty of work early in the season, as Bell will miss Weeks 1 and 2 under suspension.

Bold Predictions

The Steelers will set a franchise record for points allowed. Pittsburgh's defense is in a transition phase and the light at the end of the tunnel isn't coming in 2015. The team saw several veterans depart after last season, as well as long-time coordinator Dick LeBeau. The Steelers allowed 370 and 368 points against the last two years, the fifth and sixth highest totals in team history. Their inability to generate a pass rush will continue to doom them this season. - Justin Boone

The Steelers will have two wide receivers top 1,300 yards. The last time the Steelers had two receivers reach the 1,300-yard mark in the same season was 2002, when Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress finished with 1,329 and 1,325 yards, respectively. Pittsburgh is loaded at the position with Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, and Martavis Bryant, and all three appear poised for big seasons. - Caitlyn Holroyd

Stephon Tuitt will lead the team in sacks. Stephon Tuitt will lead the Steelers in sacks, fortifying an inconsistent pass rush. Tuitt is showing why the Steelers selected him in the second round in 2014, and the former Notre Dame star is poised to get after the quarterback often now that he's embedded in the starting lineup. Cameron Heyward will face the majority of attention from linemen, freeing up Tuitt, who will fill the void Jason Worilds left. - Arun Srinivasan