Embracing high expectations part of life for everyone association with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though this may be the Steelers culture, reality shows something else. Since winning the 2008 NFL Championship this franchise has been about letdowns. By reason of winning the Super Bowl in his second year Mike Tomlin fueled demands for more. Yet Pittsburgh has been a consistent NFL betting overlay. To illustrate the Steelers were 7-9 vs. the line in 2017. Despite the fact they went 13-3 straight up. Most maddening of all was a playoff loss to Jacksonville. Which only increased the heat upon Tomlin.
2018 Pittsburgh Steelers Futures
Date and Time: Season opens September 9, 2018
Location: Check schedules
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Pittsburgh Steelers TV Coverage: Check Listings
Michael Pettaway Tomlin
Though Tomlin has never had a losing season many believe his shelf life has expired. Supplementing that theory is Pittsburgh’s ten-year championship drought. Though the Steelers have made the playoffs four straight seasons they haven’t finished. As a result of NFL betting playoff failures, the natives are restless. Consider that Tomlin has gone 48-23 the past four seasons. Offsetting that is no Super Bowl appearances since 2010. Additionally, Pittsburgh has lost five of their last six to New England.
Ben Roethlisberger
Simultaneously catching heat is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Much of the post season sportsbook blame rests with Big Ben. So too was his rocky relationship former offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Hence after the playoff defeat to Jacksonville Haley skipped town for Cleveland. Randy Fichtner was promoted from QB coach to replace Haley. It is true that Pittsburgh ranked third in total offense last year. Balanced against that was a rank of eighth for scoring. Too many drives ended with field goals. Thus, the frustration with Haley.
Fans Resentment
Adding to fans resentment is Roethlisberger’s frequent talk about retirement. Following this was the drafting a Mason Rudolf as quarterback of the future. As a consequence, Roethlisberger popped off about Rudolf’s arrival. And then tried to walk it back. Meanwhile Big Ben is not without help. Wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell diversify the attack. If follows that more is expected of the offense with such a trio. Indeed, red zone production had gamblers pulling their hair for much of 2017.
Loss of Ryan Shazier
Alternatively, the defense became a drag at the stretch of last season. Most important of all was the week 12 loss of Ryan Shazier. By contrast the Steel Curtain went rusty without Shazier in the middle. Furthermore, he will not be returning in 2018. As a result, the Steelers focused on adding secondary depth. Accordingly, they ranked 29th for deep passing yards allowed. In particular the blame for the 45-42 loss to the Jaguars rests with the defense. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler has spent the offseason hearing about it. By reason of the playoff debacle he continues to search for solutions.
Matchup to Watch
Pittsburgh’s December 16 NFL betting matchup against New England is key. Admittedly they may also meet later in the playoffs. What’s more both teams are perennial AFC favorites. But this date will be a strong barometer as to where their championship prospects stand.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2018 Futures Betting Odds Pick
To summarize the Steelers defense is cause for concern. On the whole they should take a step or two back in 2018.
NFL Betting Online Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers to go 10-6
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