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By Jonathan Solus
It's easy to get caught up in the hype that is the NFL's regular-season opener; seven months without competitive football is a tough drought for the NFL's biggest admirers. What follows is mass excitement and optimism to watch your favorite team finally buckle up those chin straps.
After the conclusion of that highly anticipated opening week of the regular season, fans of their favorite teams are split in half around the nation. One half feels a sense of clarity because of the overly optimistic expectations they shared with family and friends of the upcoming season; the other half are left scratching their heads and finally acknowledging the doubt that crept into their minds during the dog days of summer.
That doubt emerged among Steelers' nation on the opening night of the regular season. After months of brushing off skepticism of what appeared to be a make-shift defense, citizens of the city of Pittsburgh were forced to acknowledge the big fear buried in the back of their minds.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense is as prepared as any to make that magical trip to the Super Bowl. You could even argue that the Steelers have the best offense in the NFL from top to bottom after the season-ending injury to Green Bay Packers' wide receiver Jordy Nelson.
From the essential quarterback position to the trenches of their offensive line, this offense is loaded: Ben Roethlisberger has developed into an anticipation passer without losing that dangerous backyard football style; when Le'Veon Bell returns from suspension, he should return as the best running back in football; Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant (also suspended) could boast the NFL's best wide receiving duo by season's end; and even with the loss of center Maurkice Pouncey to injured reserve-designated for return, this offensive line is exceptional.
But, then there's the defense. Now, this Steelers' defense isn't completely devoid of talent; there are definitely some bright spots among this unit. One of them being defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, who is quietly one of the best at his position. Sophomore linebacker Ryan Shazier is also a bright spot, as he flashed some serious playmaking ability in the regular-season opener.
Outside of a handful of defenders, there are question marks all over the defense. The most troubling of which was on full display in their Week 1 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
Throughout the night the secondary screamed sheer incompetence (partly on the coaching staff), and were vastly over-matched by tight end Rob Gronkowski. How linebacker Terence Garvin was somehow expected to man up Gronkowski in the end zone, borders on fireable (just kidding, maybe).
At least Gronk was actually covered on that play, as the most dangerous tight end in football was inexplicably left uncovered on several occasions in the opener. Which raises serious questions about a coaching staff that lost their identity (and defensive coordinator) for the past decade after Dick LeBeau left this offseason.
This raises another imperative question about the Steelers' Super Bowl aspirations: in an AFC title race filled with elite playmakers, who on this secondary is equipped to cover a Gronk-like presence?
This Steelers' defense would be hard pressed not to face another matchup nightmare in the playoffs this season with the Denver Broncos (Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, Cincinatti Bengals (A.J. Green), and Indianapolis Colts (T.Y. Hilton) as potential playoff foes.
You might be asking why these same questions aren't being asked about the Patriots depleted cornerback unit. Well, the Patriots are more likely to do something the Steelers should have serious concerns about: creating pressure. The Patriots quietly have one of the most exceptional front sevens in the NFL, while the Steelers are plagued with inexperience.
This opinion does not apply to their most effective outside pass rusher left from last season in 37-year-old James Harrison. And, if we're being realistic, how much should we really expect from him at the twilight of his career? The Steelers seemed to be aware of their lack of outside linebacking depth, and went out and spent a first round pick on Bud Dupree in this year's past draft. But, the problem is that Dupree was never touted as an effective pass rusher, but as more as a run stuffer.
What's left for the Steelers is an underwhelming secondary, and a front seven full of question marks: a curious recipe for success.
So on the conclusion of the opening week of the regular season, with many joyful and painful weeks to come, Steelers' fans are left with some serious questions, and some serious doubts. What will come of these? Well, that's the beauty of the NFL season, we'll have to wait until next week to see which way this team's roller coaster rides.
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