Steelers Fact or Fiction: February matters more than July for the Steelers

BTSC takes five burning questions regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers and labels them as fact or fiction.

There’s always so much to talk about when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the inquiries surrounding the black and gold are definitely ever-evolving, especially this week with more Devin Bush’s comments on social media, Twitter wars and media doubting the Steelers. It seems like the musical selection that best fits this week’s Fact or Fiction could be the ELO’s “Don’t Bring Me Down”.

Here’s a sample…

You got me runnin’ goin’ out of my mind,

You got me thinkin’ that I’m wastin’ my time.

Don’t bring me down, no no no no no,

I’ll tell you once more before I get off the floor

Don’t bring me down.

You can ponder the significance or wonder whether these lyrics are really related here. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to listen to some cool Classic Rock. But anyhow, there is surely a lot to wonder about. BTSC tries to answer some of the poignant wonderings ahead of time. Take a listen to some bold statements on this and more as we label them as fact or fiction.

Are we on point? Only time will tell.

Ben Roethlisberger will not last the season as the starter in Pittsburgh

Fiction

Former New York Jets’ general manager and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum is betting against Ben Roethlisberger finishing the season as the starter for the Steelers. “He’s going to be bad, and I expect him to be benched by the middle of the season. He’s had a great career. It’s over”, Tannenbaum said on ESPN Thursday. Tannenbaum is not the first analyst to predict the end of Big Ben’s career. It will end soon Even though No. 7 is in his twilight, his numbers in 2020 don’t suggest the end.

A guy that you don’t expect will make the roster in 2021

Fact

Are people betting against guys like Henry Mondeaux, Marcus Allen and Isaiah McKoy? Indeed they are. These players could be currently sliding off of the bubble and not expected to make the 53-man roster. Mondeaux has skills to eclipse Isaiah Buggs and Carlos Davis to earn a hat, Allen is converting more to a role at inside linebacker and has shown promise and UDFA Isaiah McKoy has the speed and hands to sneak permanently into the receiver’s room. With a solid camp, these three could be on the plane and dressing Week 1 in Buffalo.

T.J. Watt not being predicted as NFL Defensive Player of the Year means nothing

Fiction

It actually means a whole heck of a lot. It means motivation. Watt is motivated by losing out to Aaron Donald after a great 2020. Now Cleveland’s Myles Garrett is tabbed as the next award winner on defense. I cheer for these preseason predictions to go against the Steelers and their players. The heart that beats behind the shoulder pads of men like Trent Jordan Watt is immeasurable. The loss last February lit a fire under No. 90 and so will this. I expect T.J. to bring the hardware home this season, but not being on the list in July fuels the fire and I expect Watt to erupt and rain down hot molten lava on quarterbacks.

If healthy, the Steelers could have the best defensive line in the NFL

Fact

ESPN ranked their Top Ten defensive linemen in the National Football League and the Steelers found themselves as the only team with two players on the list. Cam Heyward, age 32, and Stephon Tuitt, age 28, were listed at No. 4 and No. 8 respectively. Heyward’s sack total dipped to four last season, while Tuitt had a career high of 11. If you consider the returning Tyson Alualu and veteran Chris Wormley, the Steelers have a stellar line that is full of experienced talent. Health is a key factor though. If these three starters and key reserve stay off of the injured list, they could be collectively the cream of the interior crop.

The Buffalo Bills could end up as a bitter enemy of Steelers Nation

Fact

The Bills Mafia is extremely juvenile and annoying. Jumping off of recreational vehicles and through burning tables at a tailgate is absolutely idiotic. But the real story is the team that they cheer for. The Bills have defeated the Steelers on Sunday Night Football two straight seasons. With the Patriots faltering, the team from Western New York could become public enemies should they defeat the Steelers again in the opener.

Check out the Fact or Fiction podcast to learn even more about these topics every single week and listen for more on the player below.