The Steelers are getting two key players back from injury in 2020. Of course, Ben Roethlisberger will be back after getting his elbow surgically repaired. Stephon Tuitt will also return after missing 10 games due to a pectoral injury.
I think Stephon Tuitt was the Steelers best player through six games in 2019 before he got hurt. He had 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and seven QB hits through just half a dozen games.
That would have put him on pace for nine sacks, 16 TFL’s and 18 QB hits if he had played a full season.
That’s a hell of a year.
Consider that Cam Heyward, for comparisons sake, had nine sacks, 11 TFL’s, and 23 QB hits in 2019. He was a first team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl.
Stephon Tuitt will be 27 in three days. He's just entering his prime.
Remember, Cam Heyward had his best statistical season and breakout campaign at the age of 28. I think Tuitt was well on his way in 2019 to having his best year.
If he can stay healthy this season, big if, the Steelers defense will add another outstanding player to a defense that boasts Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Sure, Ben is back, but don't sleep on the return of Stephon Tuitt and the kind of impact he can bring to the table.