Dein erstes Forum » The Steelers need to increase their quality

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Philip Rivers didn’t exactly spend a lot of time poring over the most accurate performance by a quarterback in NFL history.The longtime Chargers quarterback understands there’s no time.Not with the Chargers (8-3) scrambling to stay ahead in the middle of a tight AFC playoff race and a trip to AFC North-leading Pittsburgh (7-3-1) looming JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey White , one that could erase all doubts about whether Los Angeles is for real.“We’ve got a heck of a December ahead of us,” Rivers said.So Rivers gave his 28 for 29 day in an almost comically easy 45-10 over Arizona last Sunday a cursory look, lingering over his one mistake — a second-quarter fumble on a play he audibled to — far longer than any of his three touchdown passes or his record-tying 25 straight completions.The 15-year veteran is well aware miscues of any variety need to be avoided when Ben Roethlisberger is on the other sideline just waiting to pounce in a place that’s not exactly hospitable to teams in visiting white jerseys, particularly as the calendar hits December.The Steelers are an NFL-best 18-3 in December since 2013 and 8-0 in December prime-time games at Heinz Field since it opened in 2001.“It’s one of those old-school NFL atmospheres,” Rivers said. “Throw in fact it’s in December they are right there in the hunt in the AFC and you expect a heck of a game.”One the Steelers need just as badly as the Chargers. Pittsburgh had its six-game winning streak end last week in Denver, a 24-17 setback littered with the kind of sloppy mistakes the Steelers largely avoided while righting their season following a 1-2-1 start. Pittsburgh turned it over four times, three times in the red zone, the last one a Roethlisberger pick at the goal line on a pass intended for Antonio Brown.The loss cost the Steelers the inside track at the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and set up the possibility that Los Angeles’ visit to Heinz Field could be the first of two such meetings.Not that Pittsburgh is getting caught up in “what ifs,” not with a December schedule that includes games against the Chargers, New England and New Orleans.“We’ve done it from all the different seeds,” Roethlisberger said. “So just getting in is the most important. Getting one of those first two byes is a big deal but there is still a handful of games left, so we have a lot of games in front of us we got to take care of first.”Roethlisberger and Rivers are seventh and eighth on the all-time list for career yards passing, throwing for a combined 108,196 yards — or 61.5 miles — since they came into the league in 2004. The two understand they are inextricably linked, though there’s one thing — two actually — that Roethlisberger has that Rivers does not: a Super Bowl ring.A victory on Sunday wouldn’t guarantee a shot at one, but it would stamp the Chargers as a team built to compete in January and perhaps beyond. Rivers isn’t consumed by the big picture, however. Focusing on the small one is tough enough.“I’m trying to get a first down on Sunday night to be honest with you,” he said.KEEP AN EYE ON:The Chargers receivers, who will need to pick up the slack with running Melvin Gordon’s injury. Gordon is week to week with a sprained MCL in his right knee.Mike Williams had two touchdown catches last week while Keenan Allan has a TD in three straight games. Williams was a deep threat early in the season, but showed off his athleticism in last week’s win over Arizona with two catches near the boundary line at the back of the end zone.OPTIONS APLENTY:The emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster has taken some of the pressure off Steelers star wide receiver Antonio Brown. Smith-Schuster is taking advantage of defenses who focus extensively on Brown https://www.thesteelerslockerroom.com/authentic-juju-smith-schuster-jersey , one of the reasons the 22-year-old ranks sixth in the league in receptions (77) and yards receiving (1,055). Still, Roethlisberger is quick to shoot down the notion Pittsburgh now has two No. 1 receivers. If anything, the number is far greater than that.“I’d put James Conner in there,” Roethlisberger said. “Vance McDonald, (Ryan Switzer, Ju, AB. So, I’d put a lot of them as number ones.”BOSA’S REALLY BACK:Los Angeles defensive end Joey Bosa missed the first nine games because of a bone bruise to his left foot, but made his presence felt in his second game back last week with two sacks. Roethlisberger has always been a difficult quarterback to take down, but Bosa’s speed could give him an advantage.BROTHERLY LOVE:The game features a pair of brothers squaring off. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt could find himself in position to tackle older brother Derek, a fullback for the Chargers. Longtime Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey will share the field with brother Mike, who plays the same position for Los Angeles. Asked if anyone would notice if he and his brother switched places at halftime, Maurkice Pouncey joked, “Yeah, I’d take those boys to the next level.” As the 2019 NFL draft unfolds, the Steelers’ depth by position will become much more clear."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Latest NewsSteelers Film Room2018 NFL Draft AnalysisLatest NewsLatest NewsAn updated look at the Steelers depth chart heading into the 2019 NFL DraftNew,8commentsAs the 2019 NFL draft unfolds, the Steelers’ depth by position will become much more clear. EDTShareTweetShareShareAn updated look at the Steelers depth chart heading into the 2019 NFL DraftPhilip G. Pavely-USA TODAY SportsThe Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 roster should take full shape by the end of the weekend. With the Steelers receiving an international exemption, 91 players can be carried into training camp. With Ryan Shazier not yet on the PUP list Womens James Conner Jersey , the Steelers have 16 spots available going into 2019 NFL draft. Here is a breakdown of the Steelers roster by position with the number of players kept (in parentheses) on their initial 53-man roster in 2018.OffenseQuarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph, Brogan RobackAnalysis: This position group is not likely change through training camp, and keeping three for the regular season has been the Steelers standard.Running Back (3): James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Trey Edmunds, Ralph Webb, Malik Williams Analysis: It would be no surprise if the Steelers added another player to this position group either via the draft or unrestricted free agent (UFA).Fullback (1): Roosevelt NixAnalysis: This position group should hold steady at one throughout the off-season and into the regular season.Wide Receiver (7): JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Donte Moncrief, Eli Rogers, Ryan Switzer, Trey Griffey, Ka’Raun White, Tevin Jones, Diontae SpencerAnalysis: The Steelers carried an extra wide receiver most of last season, but may not have the luxury in 2019. Regardless, they will still add one or two players in either the draft or as an UFA.Tight End (3): Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble T. J. Watt Jersey , Kevin Rader, Christian Scotland-Williamson**Analysis: Depending on how much the Steelers are happy with Grimble will determine how high they have to prioritize adding one or more tight ends.Offensive Line (9): Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okafor, Jerald Hawkins, B.J. Finney, Zach Banner, R.J. Prince, Patrick Morris, J.C. HassenauerAnalysis: The Steelers are quite deep on the offensive line, but this does not mean they won’t add more players if they feel the right ones are available during or after the draft. If not, they already have at least nine quality players who could make the roster.DefenseDefensive Line (6) : Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Daniel McCullers, Lavon Hooks Jerome Bettis Jersey White , Conor Sheehy, Winston Craig, Casey SaylesAnalysis: The Steelers are in a position to either keep the same group going into training camp, or attempt to upgrade their depth with the right player.Outside Linebacker (3): T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Ola Adeniyi, Keion Adams, J.T. JonesAnalysis: I still can’t believe the Steelers made it most of the 2018 season with only three outside linebackers. This is a position the Steelers could draft at any point, as well as adding UFA’s.Inside Linebacker (5): Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, Robert Spillane, Tegray Scales, Ryan Shazier^Analysis: I may be in the minority, but I find Mark Barron not being assigned a number an indication his position could fluctuate based on the Steelers draft. Regardless, there will be additions made to this group. Cornerback (5): Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton* James Conner Jersey White , Artie Burns, Cameron Sutton, Brian Allen, Herb Waters, Marcelis Branch, Kam Kelly^^, Jack TochoAnalysis: The bottom few names on this list could possibly play safety. The room is crowded, and it will most likely gain a couple more by the end of the weekend.not just quantity. Safety (5): Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield, Marcus AllenAnalysis: When there aren’t as many players on the depth chart as what the Steelers kept in 2018, it’s obvious this position will be addressed at some point. SpecialistsPlacekicker (1): Chris Boswell, Matt McCranePunter (1): Jordan BerryLong Snapper (1): Kameron CanadayAnalysis: Don’t be surprised if the Steelers add another specialist or two, hopefully as UFA’s.*Yet to sign tender**Roster exemption through international program^Expected to be placed on PUP^^Listed as a defensive backOffense: 35Defense: 36Specialists: 4Total: 75