5 Pittsburgh Steelers Who Exceeded Expectations In 2020



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The Pittsburgh Steelers took their NFL-leading record to 10-0. The fact that this team was able to bounce back from an 8-8 2019 and put in a performance like this is a testament to how this team has drafted, developed and recruited players. However, having a number of players who have rebounded from injury or have greatly improved after poor performance pushes a great team to become an elite team. The ability of the next five players to play better than anyone expected is a major reason the Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-0.

Honorable mentions: Ray Ray McCloud, the returning Steelers ace was electrifying after being a late addition to camp. Vince Williams, the veteran inside linebacker looks like Vinny again in 2018. All of the 2020 draft class, Steelers rookies all pay their draft placement. Each member of the Class of 2020 has been given playing time and is ranked among the best of their individual positions among the rookies.

Pittsburgh Steelers v & nbsp;  New York Jets

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The fourth-year turn kicked off in 2020. Sutton is an extremely talented cover man and is developing a poor streak in his game. Sutton leads the Steelers in forced fumbles with three and also had an interception. Sutton also knocked down four more passes and was on the verge of snagging a few more interceptions. Sutton has raised his game and can play any location for this secondary, making him one of the Steelers’ most valuable depth pieces.

* Thanks also to Justin Layne who looked pretty good in a bigger role in his second season. The future of the Steelers corner position is bright.


Pittsburgh Steelers v Arizona Cardinals

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Remember the loss of Javon Hargrave was supposed to completely change the way the Steelers play in defense? Or what about the Steelers fans who made sure the organization never threw a tackle to the nose? Well, Tyson Alualu made those conversations go away completely after the first game. The eleventh-year pro might just be playing the best season of his career. In an expanded role, Alualu has been one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.


Cleveland Browns v Pittsburgh Steelers

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There was a moment during the 2020 offseason when I called on the Steelers to make a move to improve the depth of their left tackle behind Alejandro Villanueva. Villanueva was coming off the worst season of his career facing virtually all of the game’s top assisters, with quarterbacks unsure of what they were doing. A rebound was inevitable for the man they call Big Al. However, ten games a year and Villanueva has yet to allow a sack and is back to the level of the Pro Bowl he was playing in 2018. Big Al has been loaded. to keep Ben Roethlisberger upright and he has passed handsomely so far.


Philadelphia Eagles v Pittsburgh Steelers

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Well, how many people have been blinded by the emergence of Terrell Edmunds? The third year of security was written off just a few months ago and now he’s the man the Steelers are calling to take on the opposition’s first target and he’s winning. Edmunds had a few interceptions against the Jaguars for his problems. The Steelers finally have a pair of elite safeties from the days of Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Terrell Edmunds is on his way out and I think the whole Steelers nation owes this man an apology.


Pittsburgh Steelers v Jacksonville Jaguars

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Who else could it be? Most members of the Steelers Nation would likely admit that they were at least a little concerned about Ben Roethlisberger’s health. And what did he do? Display only the most effective stats of their career and guide this team to a perfect 10-0 start. Roethlisberger deserves more praise for this season than he has received. I firmly believe that he should at least be recognized in the discussion of the NFL MVP, especially for the way he reversed the script on the Steelers record and proved how valuable he is. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, they will be Super Bowl contenders.


Here is the list! Did I miss anyone? Tell me who and why in the comments below!

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