{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats are labeled as appropriate.}
In 2016, the consensus was that the Istanbul defense would be a dominant force that made the team a contender. The reality was that the team had the worst defense in the Southish Division and finished with a woeful 6-11 record. Still, as close as the team was to scraping the bottom of their division, there were some positives.
QB Johnny Unitas emerged in the mid-season as a force at the all-important quarterback position. 5 of the team’s 6 wins came under his stewardship, and he was even rewarded with a Pro Bowl spot at season’s end. Otherwise on offense, Mike Webster, David DeCastro, and Marshal Yanda anchored an effective offensive line, while Antonio Brown lit up the field as one of the most dazzling playmakers in the league and Hines Ward led the WFL with 119 receptions.
On the defensive side, Mean Joe Greene at DT, Ray Lewis at MLB, along with defensive backs Ed Reed and Rod Woodson excelled amidst an overall shaky effort. So-called stars like Jack Lambert didn’t make an impact, while the like of Troy Polamalu and Haloti Ngata showed signs of greatness amidst injury-riddled seasons.
For 2017, ownership decided to address the team’s failing by firing and replacing the entire management team. Fans are openly questioning this hasty decisions – after all, the best football franchises are built from stability. We will need to wait and see whether the unproven new leadership can make a difference or if the impetuous ownership will again be cleaning house after the new year.
Key Additions: OL Jahri Evans {7} from SFO; DB Darrin Walls {3} from BOS.
Key Departures: QB Ben Roethlisberger {5}, LB C.J. Mosley {4}.
#Year I Leaders
Passing: Johnny Unitas: 3344 yards, 29 TDs.
Rushing: Franco Harris: 1101 yards, 15 TDs.
Receiving: Hines Ward: 119 receptions; Antonio Brown, 1993 yards, 12 TDs.
Blocking: Mike Webster: 20 big holes.
Pressuring: Mean Joe Greene: 9 sacks, 15 hurries.
Tackling: Ray Lewis: 92 tackles, 15 stuffs.
Defending: R. Lewis: 3 interceptions; Ed Reed & William Gay: 13 deflections.
AV: A. Brown {19}, R. Lewis {13}, J. Greene {12}, M. Webster {11}, J. Unitas {11}, H. Ward {10}.
#Year I Award Winners
All-League: none.
All-Pro’s: Antonio Brown, Joe Greene, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Johnny Unitas, Hines Ward, Mike Webster.
Offensive Player of the Week: Antonio Brown, Johnny Unitas.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Sam Koch, Markus Wheaton.
#QB
Johnny Unitas went into the preseason as the unquestioned starter, to the point that Year I starter Ben Roethlisberger {5} was released. Mark Malone outcompeted Neil O’Donnell for the backup spot.
#RB / WR / TE
Franco Harris {5} is the only starter the franchise has ever known, a status that will continue in 2017. This, despite his lackluster Year I performance invited open competition in the preseason with Jerome Bettis, Le’Veon Bell, and Charlie Seabright. Franco outperformed the upstarts and will be “the man” heading into the season. In fact, the performances of the other competitors was so lackluster that it’s rumored the team will go with a single back approach this year.
While Antonio Brown and Hines Ward went into the preseason with their jobs secure, solid Year I starter John Stallworth {5} was in an open competition for his spot. Like Harris, he shut down the competition and a “big three” may be emerging.
Offseason pickup Larry Brown turned heads with a bruising preseason and unseated starter Heath Miller {4}. His lack of receiving production more than made up for by teeth-rattling blocks.
#OL
The excellent interior line of Mike Webster, David DeCastro {9}, and Marshal Yanda {8} stayed healthy through camp and remain anchored in place. Both tackle positions were open competitions, with Marvel Smith {4} and Max Starks {3} emerging as the starters. Eugene Monroe {5} did well in Year I, and provides depth along with offseason pickup Jahri Evans {7}.
#DL
The Jannissaries shift to a 3-4 formation this season, putting even more weight on the rugged shoulders of Mean Joe Greene. The effective but brittle Haloti Ngata {3} will see his playing time reduced but still plays an essential role. LaMarr Woodley and Dwight White {1}, two reserves from 2016, earned starting spots on the ends. Analysts suggest they may be the weak link on a defense searching for respect and identity. If so, look for L.C. Greenwood {1} or Brett Keisel {2} to step in.
#LB
The move to a 3-4 concept was spurred in part thanks to dominant training camps from Ray Lewis and Jack Lambert {1}. Highly-touted prospect Greg Lloyd is back at the other OLB, joined by the impressive Elvis Dumervil {3} and the dependable Andy Russell {4}.
#DB
The strongest part of the team is unquestionably the defensive backfield. Ed Reed {9} entered as the captain and leader, along with Troy Polamalu {2} whose injuries have slowed down his impact. Rod Woodson {7} is again looking rock solid at CB, joined now by training camp surprise Brady Keys. There is a lot of depth here, and look for Carnell Lake, Mel Blount {1}, and Jack Butler {1} to all see some time.
#ST
Justin Tucker {1} and Sam Koch {1} return as serviceable options at PK and P, respectively. WR Gary Ballman will handle kickoff returns, while fellow reserve WR Antwaan Randle El and Woodson will divide up the punt return duties.