ESPN says that the Browns and Ravens have a better chance to make the playoffs and win the AFC North than the Steelers do: Really?

Steelers Commentary

A year ago, football fans would have been chuckling about this preseason prognostication. ESPN has produced data that says that the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens have a better chance to make the 2019 playoffs and winning the AFC North than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Making things worse, though, is that even Vegas is agreeing — somewhat — with the all-sports network. According to CBS News, the Steelers and the Browns are both tied at 20-1 Vegas odds, though the Ravens are much further down at 40-1.

However, ESPN is less optimistic about the chances for the Steelers. Here is how the network breaks down its odds:


Cleveland Browns

Chances to make the playoffs: 51.3%
Chances to win the AFC North: 35.3%



Baltimore Ravens

Chances to make the playoffs: 45.9%
Chances to win the AFC North: 30.5%



Pittsburgh Steelers

Chances to make the playoffs: 45.5%
Chances to win the AFC North: 30.1%

Is this realistic?

In short, yes. Why do I say that?

ESPN lists the “biggest hole” for the Steelers as the secondary. Here is that analysis:

Biggest hole: Secondary

There are plenty of options for the Steelers in the secondary, but it's hard to know which of them will become reliable answers. They signed cornerback Steven Nelson in free agency, and if he performs the way they want him to opposite veteran Joe Haden, that would help lock down a position that has bedeviled the Steelers for a while now.

Former first-rounder Artie Burns is on his last chance to prove himself a reliable starter. Third-round rookie Justin Layne could get himself into the mix at some point. And they think they have a pair of starting safeties in Sean Davis and Terrell Edmunds. So the Steelers believe they have the makings of a strong secondary but have to find a way to put it all together.

ESPN.com


Hugh Conrad’s concerns

1. An aging offense

A) Quarterback is 37.

B) Offensive line is aging rapidly.

C) Running game must be more consistent.

2. Still questionable defense

A) Secondary.

B) Pass rush still not premiere.

C) Inconsistent linebacking.

3. Still questionable coaching

A) Tomlin must overcome a true fall from upper echelon.

B) Still question marks with offensive and defensive coordinators.

Record

A) Have wins during the regular season, but woeful in the postseason since Green Bay Super Bowl.

B) Only three playoff wins in eight seasons.

Philosophy

A) Still have major concerns about the change from “defense wins Super Bowls for Steelers” to “offense wins Super Bowls for Steelers.” May work for Patriots, but never has for Steelers. [Tomlin’s only Super Bowl was won by James Harrison’s return of what appeared to be a TD for Kurt Warner.]

B) No Steeler has been close to an AP Player of the Year since the change in philosophy.




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