First off, what a season. Wasn't the best outcome, but I'm really proud of how this team handled adversity through the year. I haven't seen a Steeler team mature this much over the course of the season, and I think this could be something to really build on in the future. A lot of young players are starting to assume leadership roles (especially Shazier, Tuitt, Heyward, and Bryant), and I think that in itself is huge.
Not making excuses for injuries, but just pointing out how big missing players like Bell and Brown are. Wheaton really struggled as a PR, and could have easily killed our season. He failed to field a couple of punts, where if fair caught, could have gotten us the ball at the 20-30 yard line instead of inside the 10 a few times. AB wouldn't have let those go. I won't put any blame on Toussaint, he played much better than anyone could have expected out of a 3rd string practice squadder. I honestly think the kid has potential to be a good
#2 RB when Williams' contract expires with us. He's a decent runner, good pass catcher, and is awesome at pass blocking. He could be one of those mewelde moore type of backs we've been missing since, well, mewelde moore
Speaking of Wheaton, a lot of people say we probably can't afford to keep both Wheaton and Bryant. I was torn on who to pick because I think both were good, but now it's a no brainer. We gotta keep Bryant if we have to choose. Wheaton showed me that he's a choker when it's a big game on the line. He dropped a TD pass and totally shit the bed in the PR game. Bryant looked near unstoppable against the
#1 D and honestly I think he's more dangerous as a big play threat than AB himself. Also wasn't intimidated by the big stage. Something about wheaton, it looks like the guy has the talent but no confidence.
Rookies Coates and James looked awesome. Coates needs to work on his route running, but after the catch the kid is dangerous. He looks every bit as explosive as Bryant, and I honestly think he's got similar potential. I want to see this kid on offense next year because he's a big play waiting to happen.
As much as I say it, I think Miller is in his last years, or almost done. I love the guy, but he just doesn't seem to have the speed to cause separation, or get many yards after the catch any more. He probably has a year or 2 left because he's still a good blocker, but in the passing game, James looked like everything Miller used to be, that he isn't anymore. James has the size and speed to win the coverage battles, and has a couple of steps on Miller. I'd like to see him more involved with the passing game next year as well.
The arrow's definitely up for the offense, but on defense, I'm a little more worried. Yes they are showing signs of improvement & at times, looked like the old steelers defense. However, a lot of question marks as who we can keep. William Gay, Boykin are free agents and I don't know if we have the $$ to keep both. Boykin might be jaded because he didn't get much of a chance to play this year. Then again playing for a coach who isn't a bed shitter like Chip Kelly might be a factor and he could stay, who knows. We can't afford to lose Gay, but after the last couple years he may want more money.
Jarvis Jones, I don't know what to think of the guy. He's not a good pass rusher, but he's solid at stopping the run and decent in coverage. I don't think he's worth the 8 million 5th year option, but I wouldn't be against trying to sign this guy to a cheaper 3 year deal. He'll probably test FA if that's the case, but I think our chances are decent at that. Lack of sacks won't make teams offer a great deal of cash for him.
Shazier is the new leader of this defense. As frustrating as it was to see him constantly on the injury report early in the season, it was awesome to watch this kid grow as a leader and playmaker. I think if this guy stays healthy, he's going to be a special player. I wish they'd have a stat for 3rd down stops, cause honestly I think he leads the team in that category. His closing speed is just crazy for a LB and he's a sure tackler. Later in the season, his coverage improved a lot, I think this dude's going to be the next Brian Urlacher type of player.
I'm hoping Golson and Grant could contribute next year. If they can, and James/Coates can build on what they've shown so far, the 2015 draft class could really be something.
