PITTSBURGH STEELERS

IN A YEAR FULL OF MISSTEPS, LOSING MIKE MUNCHAK WOULD TOP THE LIST

No one has any idea how the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t have Mike Munchak secured, but now, in a year full of mistakes, they’re making another one.

One thing has kept the hope alive in Pittsburgh time and time again – the offensive line. Without it, this team wouldn’t be anywhere near the potential they contain within themselves. It’s hard to say this team wouldn’t have the same success, because missing the playoffs and losing to teams like the Raiders would probably happen without this starting five.

Fans will spend the offseason questioning every move this franchise has made over the years. They’ll think about Keith Butler keeping his job, replacing Joey Porter, where Antonio Brown will land and how the 2019 NFL Draft can make-or-break next season.

But on top of it all, losing Munchak will sit in the stomach of all of us until next summer. Because even after the headlines fade and the games begin to be played, everyone is going to notice everything this offense line is without their coach, and guess how they would be with him.

Reports say the Denver Broncos are doing whatever possible to bring in the Steelers’ offensive line coach. Without saying it out loud, they are likely handing Munchak the offense as he works with the offensive line and the group of young talent they have elsewhere.

If these reports are true, the Steelers have themselves a challenge. They want their coach, the fans want their coach and the players want their coach. Letting him go allows another team to gain a major upper-hand in their five big men.

How they keep him around could get interesting, as they don’t want to give up Randy Fichtner’s power as offensive coordinator. Therefore, money may be the answer to their problems, and to the outsiders waiting to hear if Munchak is staying, paying him a wealthy sum wouldn’t irritate anyone.

It’s a deal that needs to get done, and right now, should be top priority. Trade Antonio Brown afterwards, find your running back coach afterwards, but don’t lose your offensive line coach. In a year full of misstep after misstep, this lose would be the worst of them all.