How the Steelers should move on from Big Ben

Yes I know. In my previous post, I said the Steelers should hang on to Ben Roethlisberger and I still stand by it. However there is a very real possibility that the Steelers could move on. The Steelers are one of the great franchises in America. Only three head coaches in their entire history, a legacy of greatness proven by the bust of Steelers now and then sitting in Canton, Ohio. A track record of game changers dominating the three rivers. Last names like Bradshaw, Bleier and Blunt. Hall of Fame linebackers like Lambert, Ham and Greene and possibly one day Harrison. There’s mean Joe and Franco Harris with his immaculate reception. The 1974 draft where the Steelers front office, led by Hall of Famers Chuck Noll and Bill Nunn went on to acquire a record five Hall of Fame players. Or any claim against their greatness soon becomes extinguished by the sight of their record six Lombardi trophies. However that is the past and this is now. For the past ten years following their Super Bowl XLIII victory, the Steelers have been above average at best. Several AFC East titles signaling potential but only one AFC championship appearance resulting in a 36-17 blowout at the hands of the New England Patriots, displays a failure to compete at the top level. I do believe that the current roster Pittsburg possesses is impressive, they’re only a few roster moves away from once again hoisting football’s greatest prize.

One of the true regrets of the Steelers organization was their selection or lack of in the 1983 draft. Sitting with their first round pick, they had an opportunity to draft a quarterback. This draft already held future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Jim Kelly and John Elway, in fact five quarterbacks had already been selected at this point. Yet there he was. A Pittsburg kid through and through. Born and raised, attended the University of Pittsburg, graduated and all. Highly rated and battle proven. The Steelers drafted a defensive tackle and that quarterback went on to play for the Miami Dolphins. His name was Dan Marino. The Hall of Famer who was one of the best quarterbacks of his era. He was an All Pro, Pro Bowler and MVP. For the Steelers, not drafting him led to a dismal end to Chuck Noll’s coaching career and a twenty-five year championship drought. If the Steelers want to win a championship again, they will only go as far as their quarterback takes them. Both Bradshaw and Roethlisberger did so and I believe Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett could be the next to do the same. Pickett is a strong arm pocket passer who has been lighting up the ACC. He has good height, decent mobility and a wonderful sense of timing. There’s some decision making issues but those can be coached and schemed out. He is the perfect fit for the East Coast, excellent for Matt Canada’s offense and the rewrite of an almost forty year wrong.

Now we need to revamp the offensive line. To put it easily, the O-line has been quite poor. I would like the Steelers to look for veteran leadership in free agency. If we look at how the Chargers revamped their O-line, having a veteran center can take a lot of pressure off of the quarterback. A center’s ability to call out or change protection will boost a quarterbacks ability to deliver the ball where it needs to be. Plus Najee Harris is a stud and getting those running lanes open will trouble defenses.

Eric Ebron’s contract expires at the end of the season and I have a lot of faith in Pat Freiermuth to be TE 1 for the next five years. Use his money to re-sign key players. At the top of my list is Minkah Fitzpatrick and Juju Smith-Schuster. Juju needs to be the leader for that offensive core and Fitzpatrick is an invaluable asset. For the defense, the hallmark of those great Steeler teams, they need to get help on the outside. Joe Haden isn’t the player he used to be. One or two more cornerbacks will give their impressive defensive line the extra second they need to reek havoc on opposing teams quarterbacks.

For the draft, get Pickett and build around him. The team is already loaded with potential, he can be the next piece to take them over the top. I would like the Steelers to look for a defensive back on day two and sure up their skill positions on day three.

Last thing they need to do is give Mike Tomlin a huge extension. He has made chicken salad out of chicken shit multiple times as head coach. He made Duck Hodges a winner and that should speak on his name. The Ravens gave John Harbaugh an extension in Lamar’s first year, for the stability of the new gunslinger, the Steelers should do the same. Besides, its what the Steelers do.