Steelers: Bad News from Vegas

... Steelers still near the top to win the Super Bowl

Earlier in the summer, the NFL oddsmakers in Vegas had  the Steelers near the top of the list to win the Super Bowl, along with the Packers and the Patriots.

That was then and this is now. The Steelers are now sixth at 12 to 1 behind the Pats (15 to 2), Pack (10 to 1), Seahawks (10 to 1), Cardinals (11 to 1), and Panthers (11 to 1).

Finally, some sanity in Vegas. Still in the running.

Why the drop? 

Offensively, two major producers have drug suspensions, one a RB named Le'Veon Bell and another a WR named Martavis Bryant.

There are questions about the tight end spot, depth at wide receiver, and with some spots in the offensive line.

The other reason for the drop is defense, but that will be later. This appraisal will be the offense.

#7 Healthy? 

For the offense, everything starts with the QB, #7. Ben Roethlisberger missed four games last year, yet still passed for 3,938 yards, completing 68 percent of his passes.

PG beat reporter Ed Bouchette pointed out in his story about Roethlisberger yesterday that he had more interceptions than usual despite missing four games.

He threw for 21 TDs, but also tossed 16 interceptions, which is not a great number. “I think just almost taking more chances, not being afraid to make the play,” he told Bouchette about the INTs. “I think that’s the way our offense is right now."

My assessment: Age is a problem along with durability, but the passing game could be tremendous again if he stays healthy.

Provisos: Not very good red zone production. In addition, Steelers re-signed Bruce Gradkowski to be the backup and moved Jones to #3. Tomlin has little confidence in Jones, OC Todd Haley does.

Tight Ends Number 83 is gone

Talking of receivers, our outstanding and steady TE Heath Miller called it quits. Then a backup, Matt Spaeth, failed the physical and is getting on with the rest of his life.

So, the Steelers signed Ladarius Green from San Diego, and he appeared to be a great pickup -- except that he is on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

Green had two plates put into his ankle with some surgery after the 2015 season.

So, that makes former Penn State tight end Jesse James, who is second on the depth chart, moving up to number one for now. Third is a guy by the name of Xavier Grimble, and I have no clue about him.

Green did say on day one that he would be ready for the first game. Steeler doctors have not yet cleared him to play.

Wideout supreme

As for the wideouts, we have the premier dancer in the league and pass catcher supreme in Antonio Brown.

Pro Football Focus lists him as the beat receiver in the NFL that past two years. "He’s been our highest-graded receiver the past two seasons, and his 2.89 yards per route run were second among receivers in 2015," they said.

The problem is after that with Bryant out, PFF notes that Markus Wheaton has been inconsistent, and Darrius Hayword-Bey had a negative rating for them. Sammie Coates will be expected to provide some support big time this year in his second season.

The Munchaks are ready -- sort of 

Roethlisberger told the PG that "this is the best offensive line he has had and credited line coach and NFL Hall of Famer Mike Munchak for part of it."

Markice Pouncey returns at center after missing most of last year, with David DeCastro and Ramon Foster at the guards. Marcus Gilbert is the right tackle, and Ryan Harris and Alejandro Villanueva are battling for the left tackle spot.

The PFF ranked the OL as 14th in the league, which is not bad, but not good. Again, their concern is durability. The note that both DeCastro and Foster finished in the top 16 at their position. However, Cody Wallace, who replaced Pouncey, "was one of the league’s worst at the position in 2015," according to PFF. They do note, however, that Pouncey was outstanding in 2014.

The challenge there is the left tackle. The PFF notes that "newly-signed Ryan Harris may be an upgrade over Alejandro Villanueva, [but Villanueva] struggled mightily at times last season in Denver." Harris has been a journeyman after being drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2007 draft.

Running Back: DeAngelo! 

We could talk about the great Le'Veon Bell, but he is not dependable. He is also coming off MCL surgery.

So, the great pickup last year was DeAngelo Williams, though he is 33. PFF explains: "Last season, Williams ranked as the league’s sixth-highest-graded running back after taking over for Bell. With both of these guys healthy, the Steelers’ ground attack will be among the league’s best."

I prefer Williams since he is reliable, despite his age. They have hopes for Fitzgerald Toussaint, who is third on the depth chart.

Season appraisal: Offense 

Overall, this is a promising, but shaky offensive structure right now. That is why the Steelers are not at the top of the oddsmakers chart at this stage of development.

If you think that is somewhat shaky, wait until you look at the defense. Some good, some not so good.

Have that later.

PG Bouchette Roethlisberger story 

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/07/29/Steelers-Ben-Roethlisberger-offense-could-be-dangerous-and-arm-feels-as-strong-as-ever/stories/201607290212

Pro Football Focus: Steeler Preview 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2016-season-preview-pittsburgh-steelers/