Back in June, myself and Eric Herrmann got together and made some “way too early” predictions for the 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers.

With half of the 2016 season behind us, it’s time to take a look at those predictions, and see where we were right (and wrong).

Biggest Addition?

Who will be the biggest acquisition for the Steelers offense in 2016?

Eric and I were unanimous in our decision of Ladarius Green:

“Ladarius Green by far is the biggest addition to the offense. Likely the top tight end in free agency, Green will be expected to carry the torch passed on by the departing Heath Miller.”

Green was placed on the PUP list to start the season, so the jury is still out as to whether he has any impact this season. However, it looks like we might get an idea, and soon, as Green began practicing during the bye week and could be activated to the main roster for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Overachiever

Who will rise above the level expected of them?

Eric chose Darrius Heyward-Bey, while I sided with LT Alejandro Villanueva. I can’t verify that “Big Al” is an overachiever at this point, but he has held down his position without any trouble.

On the other hand, DHB was promoted to starting wide receiver last week, before suffering an injury in the Ravens game. He has 2 receiving touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown on the season, but has only caught 5 total passes on 15 targets.

That could be overachiever territory just based on his scoring efforts.

Underachiever

Which offensive player will fail to live up to fans’ expectations?

I had selected DeAngelo Williams, who had two monster games to open the season, then lost his job as expected and has disappeared since leading the NFL in rushing to start 2016.

Since then?

Williams has 39 yards rushing in 6 games.

Now a lot of that is because of the return of Le’Veon Bell, but I believed that was always going to be the case, and fans were way too high on a potential “two-headed” backfield in Pittsburgh.

Eric on the other hand chose Sammie Coates:

“It wouldn’t surprise me for [Coates] to share reps with Darrius Heyward-Bey.”

Following dropped passes and a hand injury, that prediction has been spot on thus far.

Hot Seat

Which Steeler is under the most pressure to perform this season?

While Eric went with Villanueva, I chose Markus Wheaton:

“Since this is a contract year for Wheaton, and Bryant is suspended for the year, the pressure mounts on Wheaton to raise his game. The question is, will he?”

So far, it looks like Wheaton has lost his job, both to injury, and others stepping up in his absence. Wheaton wasn’t even active for last week’s game in Baltimore, and lost his starting job to DHB.

There’s a lot of pressure on him to work his way back into a meaningful role in the Steelers offense: the prediction is holding true so far.

Roster Bubble

Which player is at most jeopardy of losing their roster spot?

Well this is a bit behind the times, but Eric successfully predicted that Matt Spaeth was in jeopardy of no longer being a Steeler: the longtime tight end retired shortly after the article was published.

On the other hand, I chose David Johnson, who saw his role increase following Green’s placement on PUP, and the injury to FB Roosevelt Nix. With Nix healthy and Green looking to return, this could still be the spot where DJ loses some playing time, or his roster spot, should the Steelers need to make room for Green and/or the returning Bud Dupree.

X-Factor

Who will be the breakout star with the Steelers offense this season?

Eric countered my Wheaton prediction here, thinking #11 could be a difference maker in 2016. Halfway through the season, the Steelers are looking for other receivers to step up and take the heat off of Antonio Brown. Wheaton’s role could increase in the second half of the year, and if he replicates his success in the same period during 2015, Markus’ impact could be significant.

My choice was also a receiver: Sammie Coates.

Coates has been an X-Factor thus far, with a 21.3 yards-per-catch average, and several long plays on his resume. Sammie showed up for a big game against the New York Jets, catching 6 passes for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was discovered that in this game he lacerated his hand, and the injury has slowed his contributions since then.

Regardless, if one, or both, of these speedsters can find a way to raise the level of the Steelers offense, it would help Pittsburgh make a postseason run.