Tag: 2020 Steelers season

4 Steelers due for a bounceback in 2020

These four Steelers underperformed in 2019.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Last season the Pittsburgh Steelers saw the emergence of guys like linebacker Bud Dupree and cornerback Steven Nelson. However, of every player who stepped up big, there was another who failed to live up to expectations. Here are the four guys who didn’t perform as expected but we are counting for a bounceback in 2020.

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

2019 was supposed to be the season Smith-Schuster emerged as a true No. 1 receiver. But due to a multitude of factors, it didn’t happen. Quarterback injuries forced the entire offense to scale back and Smith-Schuster’s own injury kept him off the field. We are hoping next season, regardless of who is under center, Smith-Schuster elevates the play of those around him rather than sinking to their level.

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Ryan Shazier could remain with the Steelers in 2020

Steelers president Art Rooney II talked about wanting to keep Ryan Shazier for 2020.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a fairly extensive list of free agents to deal with when the league year starts. One player on the list in a rather unique position is linebacker Ryan Shazier. Shazier has spent his last two seasons attempting to recover from a horrific back injury he suffered at the end of the 2017 season.

Steelers president Art Rooney II talked about Shazier and his future with the team. Rooney said the time will sit down with Shazier and sort out what is best for his future as well as the team.

If we assume Shazier isn’t going to be able to play again, we really hope he remains with the Steelers organization in some capacity. Shazier means too much to the team and the fanbase not to have him there. Whether it’s as an assistant coach or a scout you can bet Pittsburgh will find a way to do right by Shazier.

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Steelers among easiest strength of schedule in NFL for 2020

Here’s how the NFL strength of schedule for 2020 breaks down.

A lot can change between now and the start of the 2020 NFL season but if this is any indication, the Pittsburgh Steelers can take some comfort in their upcoming schedule. Here’s how the strength of schedule for every team breaks down for next season. Based on 2019 records, there’s only one team — the Baltimore Ravens — with an easier strength of schedule for 2020.

Here’s how the full list breaks down.

1. New England Patriots: 137-118-1 (.537)

2. New York Jets: 136-119-1 (.533)

3. Miami Dolphins: 135-120-1 (.529)

4. San Francisco 49ers: 134-120-2 (.528)

T5. Buffalo Bills: 134-121-1 (.525)

T5. Detroit Lions: 134-121-1 (.525)

T5. Atlanta Falcons: 134-121-1 (.525)

T8. Arizona Cardinals: 132-123-1 (.518)

T8. Houston Texans: 132-123-1 (.518)

T10. Los Angeles Rams: 131-123-2 (.516)

T10. Minnesota Vikings: 131-123-2 (.516)

12. Denver Broncos: 131-125 (.512)

T13. Seattle Seahawks: 129-125-2 (.508)

T13. Chicago Bears: 129-125-2 (.508)

15. Green Bay Packers: 128-126-2 (.504)

T16. Indianapolis Colts: 128-127-1 (.502)

T16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 128-127-1 (.502)

T18. Carolina Panthers: 127-127-2 (.500)

T18. Kansas City Chiefs: 128-128 (.500)

20. Tennessee Titans: 127-128-1 (.498)

21. Las Vegas Raiders: 127-129 (.496)

22. Jacksonville Jaguars: 126-129-1 (.494)

23. Los Angeles Chargers: 126-130 (.492)

24. New Orleans Saints: 125-130-1 (.490)

25. Philadelphia Eagles: 124-131-1 (.486)

26. New York Giants: 123-132-1 (.482)

27. Cincinnati Bengals: 122-134 (.477)

28. Washington Redskins: 118-136-2 (.465)

29. Cleveland Browns: 118-138 (.461)

30. Dallas Cowboys: 117-138-1 (.459)

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: 117-139 (.457)

32. Baltimore Ravens: 112-144 (.438)

Does this make you feel any better for the upcoming season? As long as the Steelers get two games against the Ravens the AFC North is going to be heavily challenged.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Steelers home and away opponents.

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Steelers announce a dozen offseason moves for 2020

Pittsburgh started the business of next season on Monday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season ended on Sunday afternoon and the business of the 2020 season got started on Monday morning. The team announced the signing of 11 players to futures contracts as well as a two-year contract for a 12th player.

A futures contract is, in essence, a normal contract at vet minimum with the exception it does not take effect until the start of the 2020 NFL year. They are used to help protect guys a team is hopeful about for the upcoming season.

Here are the 11 players the Steelers signed on Monday.

QB J.T. Barrett,

WR Tray Matthews

WR Jamal Custis

WR Quadree Henderson

CB Alexander Myres

RB Ralph Webb

TE Christian Scotland-Williamson

OT Christian DiLauro

OT Derwin Gray

TE Kevin Rader

DE Henry Mondeaux

In addition, the Steelers signed edge rusher Tuzar Skipper to a two-year contract. Skipper was signed to the 53-man roster in November from the New York Giants practice squad. He was the star of the Steelers preseason but didn’t make the final roster at the start of the season.

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