Time is running out for this group of Steelers — particularly the OL — to win a Super Bowl



… Pats, Cowboys just one game away

Take away the horrible no-calls by officials as they blew a 16-point lead in their loss to the Chargers — their third at Heinz Field this year — instead, it was a gnawing sensation that this was not a team that will compete for a Super Bowl this year.

The real problem for Steeler fans, though, is that they realize that the chances of winning another one in the Roethlisberger era appears to be diminishing. Much of that has to do with the fact that the team is aging, though that may not be readily apparent at looking at their roster.

However, the area that is key for their success is not their quarterback — it lies with those who must protect him and must block for their running backs: the offensive line.

That is where the aging is of the most concern. Left tackle Alejandro Villanueva is 30, though he has played just four years. Beside him is guard Ramon Foster, who is 32 and has played for ten years. Center Maurkice Pouncey is 29 and has nine years on his resume. Right guard David DeCastro is 28 and has seven years. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert is 30 with eight years.

For context, Sports Illustrated reported a few years ago that offensive linemen “have the longest careers of all players as they average playing time for approximately three years and eight months.” So, to say that this aging line is a concern would be an understatement.

Evaluating the line

The value of that line can be seen through the prism of a vital stat: Sacks. Roethlisberger has seen that number dwindle in the past four years. That has been due to two facts: First, the maturation of the offensive line. Second, better blocking schemes that were introduced by former offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

To understand this, in 2009, Roethlisberger was sacked 50 times. In 2011, that number was 40 and in 2013 it was 42. Since then, it has declined to 33 in 2014, 20 in 2015, 17 in 2016, and 21 in 2017.

However, with three of the linemen 30 years of age and the others right behind them, the window for success is closing fast.

A 36-year-old QB

The other problem is how long Roethlisberger will last. The optimists will point to Tom Brady, now 41, and Drew Brees, almost 40, and thinking that Ben can last that long. That is unlikely because he has taken a worse beating the either of those two, and he has not taken as good care of himself as those two.

Roethlisberger looks great at times, but the inconsistency has been frustrating to the fans. He has a QB rating of 158.3 four weeks ago, and then dropped to 65, to 88, and to 87. He was on pace to hit 5,000 yards for the first time in his career, but now with 3,945, and four game remaining, it does not look as simple, particularly if he is injured, though he should still hit the mark.

However, the question is how long he wants to play. He has vacillated back and forth, talking about going one year at a time and then mentioning playing for five more. In any event, he has not won a Super Bowl in a decade, and that has to be weighing on him.

Brown and the season

The other surprising age is Antonio Brown, who is now 30. Receivers have longevity, but he is not longer a youngster. That makes the offense an aging enterprise, and it gives some fans heartburn as they realize that now, they are just a half game ahead of the Ravens in the division.

Both teams have some tough teams — Raiders on the road, which is tough; Patriots, Saints, and Bengals. The Ravens the Chiefs this week, the Bucs, the Chargers, and the Browns. So, both teams will be challenged, and since they split during the season, a loss would be problematic.

The truth is that 2-2 over the rest of the season may be enough, but a loss to the Raiders or Bengals would be disastrous. We already have three losses at home, which is disturbing.

So, the time for a Super Bowl run is now, but in honesty, I have my doubts. Losing that game to the Chargers at home was demoralizing. Then, losing James Conner to injury really did not help matters. Hopefully, he will return soon.

We still lead the number of winning Super Bowls with six, but the Patriots and Cowboys are just one game back. That is very disconcerting.

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