VD's Previews: Pittsburgh Steelers

[Vegas Dave]

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Last Year:

Typically, an injury hurts a team but in Pittsburgh’s case last season, it allowed them to tryout their rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. All he did after stepped in week two and was re-write all sorts of records and lead the Steelers to a 15-1...
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[Gunnerman]

The Steelers, about the only NFL team I know a bit about, plus I live in the area.

For what it's worth I think the Steelers have to continue to get early leads in ball games. This only strengthens the running game and also allows the defense to defend against a team that is now chasing the game so the tactics are more easily applied.

Of course Big Ben's development will be a huge key. He lost one of his best targets when Burris departed for New York. Pittsburgh sports fans also lost perhaps the quote machine when good ole Plax left as well. So that leaves Hines Ward to step up. He seems settled in the preseason right now but they have to sort his contract quickly IMO. It will also be important for Cedric the Entertainer to contribute to the passing game as I feel Randal El is not a serious threat. The new tight end Heath Miller has been schooled on blocking technique so expect normal service out of the TE position.

The running game as always is the most intriguing part of the Steelers. Can the Bus carry the load early and often and still be fresh for the playoffs? Can Duce Staley quit resembling a feminine hygiene device where he is in for a week and out for a month?

As for the defense the only item of note I have here is that I believe that the youngsters should be played at the corners. Let them and make mistakes early rather than taking over later in the year and then being taken to task.

[Vegas Dave]

Yeah I think you hit the nail on the head with Bill Cowher's team: when they play from behind, they suck, when they play with the lead, they thrive.

Their defense is better in run defense and their offense is better in run offense.

The loss of Burress will hurt more than most people think. I'm not sure why everyone in Pittsburgh is talking about Cedric Wilson. He's nothing special. Put it this way, he wasn't demanding a ton of money and San Francisco has probably the thinnest group of receivers in the league. Would they have let him walk if he was any good?