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Post by cityofchamps on Feb 12, 2015 13:13:04 GMT -5
Yep. I figured we were going to have one of the toughest, but the Steelers own the toughest strength of schedule with our opponents owning a combined .579 win percentage. 11 of the 16 teams we face next season had a winning record, while 9 of those teams made the playoffs. The biggest test is going to be our away schedule, where we have to face the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots (possibly in Week 1) and also have to travel to Seattle, where it is arguably the hardest building to play against, and face off against the Seahawks.
Predictions:
Steelers Home Opponents:
Ravens - W Bengals - W Browns - W Broncos - W Raiders - L Colts - W Cardinals - L 49ers - W
Steelers Away Opponents:
Ravens - L Bengals - W Browns - W Chiefs - W Chargers - L Patriots - L Rams - W Seahawks - L
I say 10-6 is realistic at this point, with 11-5 or 12-4 being very possible. Although 9-7 is also possible, considering the Steelers' struggles against teams that are inferior to them.
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Post by cityofchamps on Feb 12, 2015 13:14:19 GMT -5
Oh, and the last time we owned the toughest strength of schedule after losing in the first round of the playoffs? We won the Super Bowl. Just a little something to think about
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Post by Juggs on Feb 12, 2015 15:28:41 GMT -5
I'm miffed that we don't get a rematch. Titans Steelers was becoming a rivalry again
Edit: losing to okland huh? That's bold
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Post by gobolts25 on Feb 12, 2015 17:33:43 GMT -5
I think 5-1 in division is a bit optimistic given the competitiveness there, and the fact that the Steelers are likely to lose a substantial chunk of their defense, along with Dick LeBeau.
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Post by cityofchamps on Feb 12, 2015 22:38:45 GMT -5
I think 5-1 in division is a bit optimistic given the competitiveness there, and the fact that the Steelers are likely to lose a substantial chunk of their defense, along with Dick LeBeau. We were 4-2 in the Division last year (losing to the Ravens and Browns once each and sweeping the Bengals). I don't think 5-1 is out of the question. "Substantial" is pushing it a little. I will argue that Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu were more liabilities than assets when they were on the field and Brett Keisel is easily replaced by Stephon Tuitt, who is coming along and should be the unquestioned starter. I have a feeling they will either overpay Worilds (again) or Franchise Tag him. James Harrison is the biggest question mark. He was unquestionably a big part of our Defense last year, but he is going to be 37 next season. I think they are going to let Jarvis Jones have another shot since he showed some nice growth before getting hurt. Plus, we will (knock-on-wood) be getting a full season from Ryan Shazier. I don't think the losses are nearly as big as you are imagining them to be. Also, Keith Butler has been tabbed as the heir apparent to LeBeau for like 5 years now and has declined DC opportunities from other teams to stay here. I don't think there will be much, if any, drop-off there.
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Post by cityofchamps on Feb 12, 2015 22:40:13 GMT -5
I'm miffed that we don't get a rematch. Titans Steelers was becoming a rivalry again Edit: losing to okland huh? That's bold We always lose to someone we should have beaten just about every year (The Jets and Buccaneers this year), and the Raiders have historically given us tough games, especially recently, when they are supposedly inferior. I wouldn't bet against them beating us. I wouldn't bet for it either though. I just have a feeling.
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