It’s not easy to overcome the loss of a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback, but somehow the Pittsburgh Steelers nearly did it in 2019.

Behind a great defense, the Steelers finished the season 8-8 despite losing Ben Roethlisberger to an elbow injury in the second week. T.J. Watt emerged as an elite pass rusher, Devin Bush had a solid rookie season, and the secondary, led by trade acquisition Minkah Fitzpatrick, was among the best in the league.

Now that Roethlisberger is back and fully healthy for the 2020 season, expectations are high in the Steel City. Head coach Mike Tomlin guided the team to the cusp of the postseason without Roethlisberger; with him, they believe they’re among the best in the AFC.

There are some lingering questions surrounding the Steelers in training camp, however. Roethlisberger has struggled to remain healthy, and at age 38, is nearing the end of his career. Watt was great in 2019, but can he repeat that performance now that the rest of the league knows what he can do? And how will that continuity in the secondary benefit the team?

Then there are their old AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, who enjoyed a spectacular regular season only to fall short in the playoffs. The Ravens are looking to redeem themselves in 2020 and fend off a challenge from the Steelers. It won’t be easy for Pittsburgh to knock them off, but, if these five things go their way, they just might do it.