The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2021 season in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in a long time, they are not thought of as the team to beat in the AFC North. That title would go to the Baltimore Ravens, with the Cleveland Browns now far behind.
Seeing the Browns with better odds at winning the division is something that will take some getting used to as Pittsburgh had owned them for years. After what transpired during the 2020 season, when the Browns eliminated the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round, that looks to be changing.
But, Pittsburgh is not going to go quietly. This is a team that still has a loaded defense and an offense with an abundance of weapons. Mike Tomlin has also proved to be one of the best head coaches in the NFL.
What can we expect from the Steelers in 2021? Here are five bold predictions for the team this upcoming season.
5. Alex Highsmith Leads Team In Sacks
Since entering the league in 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers have received excellent production from T.J. Watt. He has compiled 49.5 sacks in four seasons, leading the team in that category every season since 2018.
He led the NFL with 15 sacks last season, but this season, he will be dethroned as the team’s sack leader by Alex Highsmith. Highsmith was a third-round pick out of Charlotte that played in all 16 games as a rookie and will see expanded playing time now that Bud Dupree is no longer on the team.
Highsmith stepped into a starting role with the Steelers’ linebackers decimated by injuries last season and played well. He had two sacks, five tackles for loss and six quarterback hits playing 43 percent of the snaps. With more snaps coming his way this season, Highsmith will break out and lead Pittsburgh with 13 sacks in 2021.
4. Dwayne Haskins Makes Starts In 2021
Ben Roethlisberger came back from elbow surgery last season, but he has lost some zip on the ball. At 39-years old, there were going to be some declining skills, but when you throw in the elbow operation, things are even more difficult.
Roethlisberger no longer attacks teams down the field. The Steelers use a lot of quick-hitting, short passes now. Part of that is because of the team’s shaky offensive line and nonexistent running game, but part of it is also Roethlisberger’s declining arm strength.
Whether it is because of injuries or Roethlisberger proves to be too ineffective and the team has to make a move, Dwayne Haskins will start games at quarterback for the Steelers this season. He will overtake Mason Rudolph as well, who has proven he is not a viable long-term option for Pittsburgh under center.
3. Chase Claypool Leads Team In Receiving
With their second-round pick in 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers surprised some people by selecting Notre Dame wide receiver, Chase Claypool. Claypool entered a crowded wide receiver room with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington already on the roster. But, Claypool quickly inserted himself near the top of the pecking order.
The Notre Dame product caught 62 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. This season, he will improve upon those numbers even more, as his efficiency will improve.
Claypool will be the team’s leading receiver in 2021, surpassing 1,100 yards and catching double-digit touchdowns on at least 80 receptions.
2. Najee Harris Wins Offensive Rookie Of The Year
The Pittsburgh Steelers came into this offseason knowing they had to fix their running game. They need to get a better balance to their offensive attack. While the offensive line still has some question marks, the team did invest draft capital into the running back position.
With the 24th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Alabama running back Najee Harris. Harris had an excellent career with the Crimson Tide, rushing for 3,843 yards and 46 touchdowns on 638 attempts. He also proved to be a capable pass-catcher, reeling in 80 balls for 781 yards and another 11 scores.
That kind of dual-threat ability will fit in nicely in Pittsburgh, where he will be taking over for James Conner. Conner signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.
As the unquestioned No. 1 running back in the pecking order, Harris is in line for a great season. He will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, racking up over 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie and compiling 1,500 total yards with 11 touchdowns.
1. Mike Tomlin Sets Coaching Record
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ consistency as a franchise is epitomized by their head coaches. The franchise has had three head coaches since 1969; Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin. Some organizations have had that many in the last decade.
Tomlin has been an excellent head coach for the Steelers. His .650 winning percentage is eighth in NFL history among coaches with at least 100 wins. He has one Super Bowl victory under his belt, two AFC championships and seven AFC North titles. Arguably the most impressive thing is that he has not yet had a losing season.
Tomlin has tied the record of 14 seasons to begin a coaching career without a losing record. He is tied with Marty Schottenheimer for the record, but this season, he will become the sole owner as the Steelers will finish the season with 10 wins, pushing Tomlin’s streak to 15 seasons.
