As Steelers fans gather around the big screens at Hibernia Bar, (quite actually the best Steelers Bar in NYC), there is so much to be hopeful about this season! The most important team players are back with new player additions that give our team the edge they need to be Super Bowl bound in 2021! Welcome to Steeler Nation!
The State of the Steelers
The overall state of the team this year is really strong. The Steelers have a long and glorious history, but even with six Lombardi Trophies, they are always looking to add another ring to the collection. What are the odds that this is the Steelers’ year?
The Offense
Winning a Super Bowl is a lot easier when you start with a coach and quarterback who have been to the top before and know how to get back there. After some nasty retirement rumors last season, it’s great to see Big Ben back out there leading the team. No crazy quarterback controversies here! Onward and upward as we welcome Steeler Nation.
First round draft pick Najee Harris comes from the National Champion Crimson Tide and has started for the Steelers at running back this year. Harris is known for power, speed and an unimaginable work ethic. He hurdles defenders and brings loads of excitement to the game. Expect big things from Harris this year.
Penn State TE Pat Freiermuth is a strong addition to the team as well. While he won’t unseat Eric Ebron, expect to see more “two tight end” sets this year from new offensive coordinator Matt Canadato. Matt looks to take advantage of the depth of talent in the offensive line.
The Defense
The Steelers have a perennial powerhouse defense and don’t expect that to change any time soon. TJ Watt continues to be one of the top defenders and the best outside linebacker in the NFL. Lucky for us, he just signed a contract extension with the Steelers worth $112 million over four years, so he isn’t going anywhere. In fact, if the season opener was any indication, Watt is going to have a banner year!
The Steelers had a strong draft, but the defensive rookies have some work to do before they see much playing time. However, Buddy Johnson got his first start for the team in the season opener after an injury to Spillane in warm ups. The former Aggie says he believes his big game experience at Texas A&M helped to prepare him to be on the big stage for the Steelers.
Additions to the defense over the last few years have created an ensemble masterpiece. Minkah Fitzpatrick roams the backfield, coming out of nowhere to make some of the games most explosive plays. Melvin Ingram is a perfect addition to the defense, and you can bet he hasn’t missed a beat since arriving in Pittsburgh. Cam Sutton has had three picks and 78 tackles since being drafted by the Steelers a few years ago. You are going to see him add to those totals this season.
Welcome Steeler Nation Special Teams
After a lot of inconsistency at punter, expect much better with the Steelers’ newly drafted Pressley Harvin III. Harvin is an exciting new addition coming out of Georgia Tech. He was by far the best collegiate punter, winning the Ray Guy award his senior year. He is one of the largest punters ever on record at six feet tall and 255 pounds. He has a bright future ahead in Pittsburgh and our Steeler Nation.
Watch Steelers Games at Hibernia Bar
Hibernia Bar is an outstanding Hell’s Kitchen sports bar and the best Steelers Bar in NYC. We offer fantastic food and drinks and have a great team oriented atmosphere. We are your home away from home for every Steelers game. Join us at Hibernia Bar as we welcome Steeler Nation on game days this fall!
Featured Image Cred: Caitlyn Epes/Pittsburgh Steelers