Pittsburgh Steelers: Biggest Weakness From All Three Phases

Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs after a pass reception against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

No roster is without its weaknesses, even the best ones. So for the Pittsburgh Steelers, which players stand out as the biggest red flags heading into 2015?

Offense: Heath Miller (TE)

This is painful to say given what he’s meant to the offense for so many years. Heath Miller overcame a lot last season to find a way to be productive (761 yards, 3 TDs). Still, it doesn’t mask how poorly he played as a blocker, particularly in pass protection. For the season he allowed seven pressures, three hits and a sack on Ben Roethlisberger. On top of that he is set to turn 33-years old in October. Given the high improbability that somebody replaces him this season, it’s clear Miller is the weakest link in the chain on an otherwise excellent offense.

Defense: Cortez Allen (CB)

Pass defense was the Achilles heel for the Steelers last season. A big part of the problem was continued struggle from their cornerbacks. While nobody was guilt-free from the issues, the biggest problem centered around Cortez Allen. Fresh off a new $26 million deal, he delivered a short and ugly season with just 41 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games before getting hurt. He committed nine penalties, gave up five touchdowns and allowed a 106.8 rating when quarterbacks threw in his direction. One can bet that will show up on game film before every ball game this year until he’s either replaced or gets better.

Special Teams: Brad Wing (P)

It wasn’t exactly the ideal start to a career for Brad Wing in his first season as punter for the Steelers. His 43.7 yards average and 38.8 yards net average both ranked in the bottom half of the league. He also only had 20 punts downed inside the 20, ranking him 28th among all active punters in 2014. Considering Pittsburgh likes to run their success through the defense, he has to do a better job of giving them better field position and also setting up chances for the offense to have short fields as well. He’s only 24-years old, so he has room to grow but improvement must show sooner than later.

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