As NFL training camps continue for teams across the country, the Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for an interesting season. Despite a rough 2019 campaign, the team has several training camp advantages that will help them rebound this year.
With the start of the 2020 NFL season about a month away, teams like the Steelers are preparing for a season that will look very different than years past.
Players and coaches gather safely at Heinz Field for 2020 NFL training camp practices. (Photo by Black and Gold Nation)
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, training camp is also quite unique this year. However, the Steelers are not letting any odd circumstances get in the way of their preparation for a season that will hopefully end on a more positive note for them.
The team actually has several advantages and elements working in its favor for the upcoming season. For example, the Steelers will have their fair share of veteran leadership and consistency in players and coaches.
Aside from having advantages, they are also lacking disadvantages. As far as the preseason goes, each of the 31 other NFL teams are in the same position. No team has had any more time to practice than the next.
While the 2020 season itself might not be very consistent, the Steelers’ have several constants on their side.
The main source of consistency for the team this season will be head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin has been with the team for 13 years. In those 13 years, the Steelers have made it to the playoffs eight times. The team has also clinched six AFC North titles and took two trips to the Super Bowl, one of which the Steelers won.
Tomlin has yet to have a losing season with the Steelers. His record with the team is 133-74-1.
Just like anyone else, Tomlin has his flaws as a coach. However, his consistency will be a strong weapon for the team as they prepare to have a comeback season.
Apart from coaching consistencies, the team also has several new weapons up its sleeve.
Offensively, the running backs on the team seem to be constantly improving, despite having to workout and practice on their own throughout the summer.
Defensive players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Devin Bush, and T.J. Watt are expected to have another great season, possibly even better than 2019.
The Steelers are one of very few teams who are not experiencing many turnovers with players.
Ramon Foster and Javon Hargrave are the only two starters the Steelers lost during the offseason. Foster made the decision to retire from the NFL, while Hargrave’s contract expired and he was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Aside from these departures, the Steelers had no other key losses. The team even has a few players like Ben Roethlisberger and Stephon Tuitt who will be returning from season-ending injuries.
Roethlisberger, among others, provides an element of leadership that the Steelers will have to rely on even more this season after a lack of offseason practice due to COVID-19. Big Ben should now be equipped to handle this role after spending most of last year on the sidelines with the coaching staff.
Other players who will act as veteran leaders include Cameron Heyward, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey and Joe Haden.
Featured Image Courtesy of TribLive.com
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