Here’s a look at the Super Bowl prospects of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished the regular season 11-5 before losing in the AFC Championship Game:
Steelers' Super Bowl barometer: On the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance
Assessing the foundation: The Steelers are built to be contenders for the next few years. They have one of the league's top offensive lines and three of the game's best offensive players in Le'Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger, whose public flirtation with retirement raises the heart levels for Steelers brass. But, he's largely expected back with the team for a 14th NFL season. The defense underwent a slow rebuild and has transitioned to a formidable -- if imperfect -- unit. General manager Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin are going into their 11th season together. Stable ownership abides with the Rooney family. The only black mark is a humbling 36-17 loss to New England in the AFC title game. For the Steelers to make a ninth Super Bowl appearance, Tom Brady & Co. will likely be waiting next January.
Judging the quarterback: Roethlisberger will be 35 in March but still has more prime years left in the Steelers' offense. Big Ben's presence gives the Steelers a chance in every game, and he should be motivated in 2017 after a near-Super Bowl run came crashing down in Gillette Stadium. In 2016, Roethlisberger's yardage numbers were down, but he got sacked a career-low 17 times and threw for 29 touchdowns in 14 games, the third-highest total of his career. Staying proficient on the road has been an issue, though. The Steelers failed to produce multiple passing touchdowns in eight of their 10 road games. Big Ben and the offense should figure out how to pack what works so well in Heinz Field into their suitcases. The plan is in place for Roethlisberger to start games in Pittsburgh well into his late 30s.
Realistic ways the Steelers can improve their chances to contend for a Super Bowl:
Get pass-rush help: The Steelers have used two of their past four first-round picks on edge rushing to mixed results. Jarvis Jones appears on his way out after six sacks in four seasons. Bud Dupree flashed his potential with five sacks over his past nine games but needs refinement. This position is hardly shored up, especially with James Harrison approaching his 39th birthday. The Patriots' loss reminded the Steelers they need reinforcements.
Find a way to keep Martavis Bryant on the field: The need for an established No. 2 receiver on the outside became glaring in the playoffs. Cobi Hamilton and Sammie Coates are good, young, role players, but they weren't consistent playmakers. Bryant clearly is one -- if he can be trusted. After Bryant missed 20 regular-season games due to suspensions, the Steelers need to know whether they can count on him before proceeding with their draft plans.
Figure out Brown's and Bell's contract situations: Bell's deal seems easy enough: Place the franchise tag on him, then negotiate a potential long-term contract. Brown's situation could get more complicated. There's no chance he plays for $4.71 million in the final year of his deal. Will the Steelers pay $15 million to $16 million a year for the soon-to-be 29-year-old? Possibly, but this situation must play out.