Steelers offseason report: Offensive superstars set to carry load
The Pittsburgh Steelers don't resemble the storied champions of the franchise's past in personnel or playing style.
But the Steel Curtain might not need to be in place for this team to compete at the level it did in that bygone era.
Equipped with an offense that he thinks can be the league's best, coach Mike Tomlin will rely on a high-powered attack to compensate for a defense that's under repair and missing its retired veteran leaders.
And after going 6-2 in the second half of 2014 and winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh has plenty of reasons to think that formula is viable.
The Steelers enter 2015 with perhaps the league's best offensive trio in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown. All 11 starters return from last year's No. 2-ranked attack, and Roethlisberger has said he thinks the group should be the best unit he has had in his career.
Yet expecting a weekly shootout might be untenable over the course of the season.
A defense that ranked third-to-last in yards allowed per play prompted significant changes at almost every level. Hall of Fame coordinator Dick LeBeau parted ways with the club, leaving longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler to take over the post.
A multiyear youth movement entered its final stages with safety Troy Polamalu, cornerback Ike Taylor and defensive end Brett Keisel all no longer on the roster. No splashy signings were added as instant fixes, with general manager Kevin Colbert electing to let past top draft picks slide into the vacant spots.
But invigorating a languishing pass rush and leaky secondary could be the keys to catching up with the AFC's elite teams.
And if Pittsburgh can do that, there will be little grousing about the offense-guided route taken to reach that point.
WATCH: AFC burning questions
Quarterback
Roethlisberger set career highs in passing yards (4,952) and completion rate (67.1%) while tying a personal best for touchdown throws (32). A five-year contract worth up to $108 million made clear the Steelers' intention to retain him for the rest of his career. Veteran Bruce Gradkowski is entrenched as the backup, and Landry Jones is still being evaluated two years after being selected in the fourth round.
Running back
Bell's three-game suspension for his arrest last August on drug and DUI charges puts the Steelers in a bind, as the team showed in its wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens that it requires his presence for offensive balance. After injuries and a diminishing workload led to a messy split with the Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams jumped at the chance to spot Bell in Pittsburgh. He should be the primary backup, though 5-8 Dri Archer will rotate in as a change-of-pace back and gadget receiver. But Bell's 23.3 touches a game last season ranked second among all backs, and he should retain his three-down role once he returns.
Wide receiver
Brown's 129 catches last year were the second most in NFL history for a single season. Although the 5-10 target will remain the centerpiece of the passing game, his supporting cast could take on an increased role. Martavis Bryant averaged 21.1 yards per catch and, at 6-4, could be the primary red-zone target. If Bryant takes over the starting role opposite Brown, Markus Wheaton could slide into his more natural role in the slot. Third-round pick Sammie Coates must improve his route running and focus, but he offers Roethlisberger another downfield threat.
Tight end
Heath Miller returns for his 11th season as Roethlisberger's safety valve in the receiving game. Fifth-round pick Jesse James could be Miller's successor and a red-zone target as a rookie. Matt Spaeth is used almost strictly as a blocker and recorded only three catches last season.
Offensive line
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum said in the offseason that the Steelers should have the best offensive line in the NFL this season. Whether the grouping earns that unofficial title, a unit that was once a vulnerability has become a source of strength. A former seventh-round pick, Beachum has stabilized the line with his steadily improving play. He and right guard David DeCastro should be in line for contract extensions, as center Maurkice Pouncey and right tackle Marcus Gilbert re-upped last offseason. With left guard Ramon Foster the line's elder statesman at 29, the Steelers could rely on this front for some time.
Defensive line
Butler's ascension to coordinator could provide more pass-rushing opportunities for this group in place of its traditional two-gap responsibilities. End Cameron Heyward enjoyed a breakout season with 7½ sacks, earning him a new contract. Keisel's leadership will be difficult to replace, but Stephon Tuitt can be a more disruptive presence. Steve McLendon is not a natural nose tackle but has held his own in the middle. Pittsburgh has a trio of massive second-stringers in Daniel McCullers (6-7, 352 pounds), Clifton Geathers (6-8, 325 pounds) and Cam Thomas (6-4, 330 pounds).
Linebacker
A bleak outlook at outside linebacker became more muddled with the surprising retirement of Jason Worilds, 27, the Steelers' best pass rusher. Rejuvenating the pass rush might depend on the play of first-round draft pick Bud Dupree and Jarvis Jones, who has three sacks in two years. Veterans James Harrison and Arthur Moats could hold down starting spots until pushed out of action. At inside linebacker, Pro Bowler Lawrence Timmons should help bring along Ryan Shazier, who played nine games as a rookie.
Secondary
Though a pedestrian pass rush often left the unit vulnerable, the Steelers secondary frequently fell apart on deep passes. Longtime standouts Taylor and Polamalu are gone, and few reinforcements were added. Cortez Allen is trying to regain his 2012 form after two down years. William Gay could help fill the leadership void. Mike Mitchell, who disappointed in his first year after signing as a free agent, and Shamarko Thomas must establish themselves at safety.
Special teams
A karate kick to the helmet of former Cleveland Browns punter Spencer Lanning was Brown's signature special-teams moment last season, but the wideout proved effective with a 10.6-yard average on punt returns. Archer could return kickoffs despite managing only 17.9 yards a return in limited work last season. Brad Wing must hold off Jordan Berry for punting duties, and Shaun Suisham returns as kicker.
Coaching
Known for an almost unparalleled level of continuity in the coaching ranks, the Steelers' stability begins with Tomlin. In his eight seasons, Pittsburgh has five postseason berths and never finished with fewer than eight wins. Any changes Butler makes to the defense are likely to be light touches rather than a full overhaul. After a turbulent start to their relationship, offensive coordinator Todd Haley drew rave reviews from Roethlisberger by the end of the season.
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Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @mikemschwartz