Pittsburgh Steelers: 2016 Preview, Offseason Recap, Status Report, Schedule, Outlook

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Key Player Losses: Two-time Pro Bowl selection and fan favorite tight end Heath Miller retired after playing his whole career in Pittsburgh and hauling in more than 6,500 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns. The Steelers also lost their left tackle in Kelvin Beachum, who now plays in Jacksonville. Defensively, Pittsburgh lost a productive cornerback in Antwon Blake who started to come along his last two seasons, and defensive tackle Steve McLendon, who spent six seasons in Pittsburgh and is now in New York with the Jets.

Key Player Additions: After winning the Super Bowl last year with the Broncos, Ryan Harris will add depth to the Steelers offensive line. Harris has started 70 games in his career and was key in replacing the injured Ryan Clady. Tight end David Johnson returns to Pittsburgh after a year in San Diego and has a chance for some considerable playing time, as does Ladarius Green. Defensively, linebacker Steven Johnson adds depth to a young defense that had its issues last season. Green was productive in 2014 but struggled to find his way last season with the Tennessee Titans.

Draft: Artie Burns is a playmaking cornerback and another promising piece to a Pittsburgh defense that’s been slowly built through the draft. Sean Davis is also a versatile defensive back who can play safety or corner and fills an area of need in terms of coverage help. Jerald Hawkins was a solid mid round pick to bolster the offensive line and Travis Feeney is an athletic linebacker with a ton of upside and probably should have been selected in the earlier rounds. Overall, productive draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers with guys who can contribute sooner than later.

Outlook: With the return of running back Le'Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers make a case for being the most explosive offense in the NFL. This team is loaded offensively and will continue to put up a truckload of points. Pittsburgh’s defense is still maturing but continues to make progress and will only get better with more experience under its belt. Anything less than a spot in the AFC Championship Game would be a disappointment for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 Schedule:

Week 1: Sept. 12 @ Washington Redskins, 7:10 p.m., ESPN

Week 2: Sept. 18 Vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 3: Sept. 25 @ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Week 4: Oct. 2 Vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Week 5: Oct. 9 Vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 6: Oct. 16 @ Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 7: Oct. 23 Vs. New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Week 8: Bye

Week 9: Nov. 6 @ Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 10: Nov. 13 Vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m., FOX

Week 11: Nov. 20 @ Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 12: Nov. 24 @ Indianapolis Colts, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Week 13: Dec. 4 Vs. New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. FOX

Week 14: Dec. 11 @ Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., CBS

Week 15: Dec. 18 @ Cincinnati Bengals, 8:30 p.m., NBC

Week 16: Dec. 25 Vs. Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m., NFL Network

Week 17: Jan. 1 Vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m., CBS