Pittsburgh Steelers – 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis

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QB Ben Roethslisberger nearing retirement

The clock is ticking for "Big Ben" Roethslisberger to win as he enters his 14th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With two super bowls under his belt, Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his career and is in great desire for another ring before his retirement. Although he is viewed as one of the elite NFL quarterbacks, his stats have not backed that up over the last few years, which is why 2017 is a big redemption year for the All-Pro QB. Injuries have been an issue for Ben, as he as only played a full 16 game season 3 times in his 13 year career. He also hasn't been a top 10 fantasy QB since 2010. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert was quoted saying, "when I watch him practice, when I watch him play and interact with his teammates, I see a very hungry competitor that wants more, and he wants championships. He doesn’t care about anything but."

Will this be Big Ben's final year?!

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Big Ben Stat Source

Player To Watch - RB Le'Veon Bell

There is no doubt to anyone that Le'Veon Bell is an elite NFL running back. Even with his 4-game suspension to begin the 2016 NFL season, Bell still finished 5th in the league in rushing with 1,268 yards and 2nd among running backs in receiving yards and catches, 616 yards and 75 receptions. He is a true work horse, which is why he has yet to sign his contract extension to play under the franchise tag. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported Pittsburgh offered a new deal worth more than $12 million per season, including $42 million over the first three years, before the mid-July deadline to extend franchise players. Bell declined the proposal. Bell is looking to be paid an average of $15 million per year, thus the hold out of mini-camp continues. Le'Veon intends to play in all 16 games this year so lets hope these contract discussions can go smoothly so it doesn't affect his production on the field and chemistry in the locker room.

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Le'veon Bell Contract Source
Le'Veon Bell Stat Source

Key Matchups:

Week 6: October 15 4:25 PM ET @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 12: November 26 8:30 PM ET vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 14: December 10 8:30 PM ET vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 15: December 17 4:25 PM ET vs. New England Patriots

Steelers Schedule

Key Departures:

CB Justin Gilbert
QB Zach Mettenberger
TE Ladarius Stafford

Key Additions:

CB Coty Sensabaugh
RB Knile Davis
DE Tyson Alualu
WR Justin Hunter

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2017 Draft Class:

Round 1, No. 30 overall: T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
Brother of all-pro linebacker J.J. Watt, this young stud is already creating hype, rolling into his rookie season as he performs in the pre-season

Round 2, No. 62: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC

Round 3, No. 94: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

Round 3, No. 105: James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh

Round 4, No. 135: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

Round 5, No. 173: Brian Allen, CB, Utah

Round 6, No. 213: Colin Holba, LS, Lousiville

Round 7, No. 248: Keion Adams, LB, Western Michigan

Can the Steelers get back into the playoffs and knock off long time rival and defending AFC and Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots?

Prediction: Steelers go 11-5

Pittsburgh Steelers Website: http://www.steelers.com/

Thank you for reading
-- @ndre1224 --

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32 Teams in 32 Days - Countdown to the NFL Season

Day 1 - Oakland Raiders

Day 2 - San Francisco 49ers

Day 3 - Kansas City Chiefs

Day 4 - New York Jets

Day 5 - Atlanta Falcons

Day 6 - Green Bay Packers

Day 7 - Minnesota Vikings

Day 8 - Dallas Cowboys

Day 9 - Buffalo Bills

Day 10 – Denver Broncos

Day 11 - New York Giants

Day 12 – Jacksonville Jaguars