NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

5 Reasons Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win Super Bowl XLIX

5 Reasons Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win Super Bowl XLIX

Antonio Brown
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It may have felt like an eternity for Black & Gold Nation, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are once again division champions. What’s more, after two 8-8 seasons, the ‘Burgh again has the Lombardi trophy squarely in its sights. Here are five reasons why the Steelers are about to turn that temporary momentum into everlasting glory.

5. Team Has Been Battle-Hardened By The AFC North

Heath Miller
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Team Has Been Battle-Hardened By The AFC North

Heath Miller
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2014 brought with it a new contender for ‘toughest division in football.’ Characterized by hard running and pillaging defense, it took the AFC North 17 weeks to finally crown a victor. The eventual champions had to wade through the proverbial River Styx to get there, and the Steelers’ experience with tough opponents in hostile territory will serve them well in Denver and Foxborough.

4. Offensive Line Holds Up

Maurkice Pouncey
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive Line Holds Up

Maurkice Pouncey
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

After an offseason of uncharacteristically throwing cash around in free agency, Pittsburgh’s greatest acquisition did not play a single snap all season. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak – both a former head coach and Hall of Fame guard himself – has revitalized the rag-tag unit into one of the most stout lines in the league. With that sort of protection, Ben Roethlisberger can shred any secondary in the NFL.

3. Bell Comes Back With A Vengeance

Le'Veon Bell
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bell Comes Back With A Vengeance

Le'Veon Bell
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After taking an ugly looking hit on Sunday night, superstar running back Le’Veon Bell received the good news that he did not suffer any structural damage or torn ligaments in his knee. The length of his stint on the sidelines is not yet confirmed, but he needs to return both soon, and at peak fitness, for the Steelers to even have a chance. Nobody has meant more to the success of their team than Bell has to Pittsburgh this season.

2. Ben And Brown Have Saved Their Best For Last

Antonio Brown, Mike Tomlin
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ben And Brown Have Saved Their Best For Last

Antonio Brown, Mike Tomlin
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Nobody is talking about it, but it’s the truth: Antonio Brown’s 63-yard reception to ice the division title was one of the best touchdowns of the year. What looked like excellent coverage by Dre Kirkpatrick on a curl route turned into an improvised streak at the last second. If the NFL’s best receiver has now formed a telepathic connection with his quarterback, there isn’t a corner in the league who can slow him down.

1. The Defense Continues To Force Turnovers

James Harrison, Jason Worilds, Stephon Tuitt
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. The Defense Continues To Force Turnovers

James Harrison, Jason Worilds, Stephon Tuitt
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It has been said many times during the Steelers’ winning streak: The defense doesn’t have to dominate; it just has to help out. In Week 17, the front seven did a little better than just “help”, sacking Dalton multiple times and blowing up runs early and often. Tack on three turnovers forced by a much-maligned secondary – including two Brice McCain picks and a clutch strip and recovery by Antwon Blake – and you’ve got a recipe for success.

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