Some very good points.Some people will say bring in a new QB but honestly the backups we had were thrust into horrible situations
-Shit O-line the caliber of the late 00s o-lines
-No reliable WR or TE
-No real QBs coach
-Probably the worst OC in the NFL, a guy who struggles with basic concepts as play construction, situational football, and the idea that if a play doesn't work it shouldn't be run
Honestly I think there may have been 4 QBs in the NFL that would have had any success with this shit supporting cast around him: Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers. The fact that even Ben looked bad when he was healthy speaks volumes
Moving forward the Steelers need the following
A better OC: I don't care if he is Ben's buddy, he is horrible. This year unequivocally proved that without elite talent around him, Fichtner is clueless. If Ben doesn't recover or he gets injured again this offense is toast. A good OC can help elevate a QB and maximize a QB's potential (you know like how Greg Roman has designed an offense around maximizing Lamar Jackson's strengths)
O-line coach: Sarrett doesn't need more time, he was inherited an elite o-line and promptly ruined it. He needs to be replaced with someone who isn't a legacy pick
O-linemen: Foster's done, AV was horrible, The only time Pouncey didn't look disinterested was when he was defending Rudolph against Myles Garrett, the other o-linemen were horrible. Without a high quality o-line coach, they need to devote some resources to on polished technically sound o-linemen. Sign quality veteran o-linemen in free agency and draft polished players in the draft
Receivers and TEs: They don't have a reliable no. 1 WR or TE. Juju was proven to be mediocre at best without AB and he chokes in the clutch. They need a game-breaking receiving threat who can help open up the offense. The offense suffered without AB.
- - - Updated - - -
Also, Steelers need to get rid of Danny Smith and Jordan Berry and replace them. These two should have been canned years ago
As for Bud, he's a no. 2 OLB at best, at worst he's playing for a contract. Since TJ likes him I would be willing to pay $9 million at best, if he won't agree to that, let him leave and sign with Miami or Washington. Breaking the bank for him when they need veteran help elsewhere would be a misuse of cap space
Like you, I have concerns with our o line and receivers..
Our pass protection was ok but what about run blocking?
It starts in the trenches.