Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers endured the toughest schedule in NFL history and came out Super Bowl champs. After a quiet offseason – relative to their last offseason following a Super Bowl win – NFL odds makers are expecting a level of consistency from the Steelers. Except for the Ravens, the NFC North lacks some real competition for the Steelers. With most of their Super Bowl team intact, the Steelers should win the division once more and make another stab at the Super Bowl.

Offseason Transactions

Aside from losing wide receiver Nate Washington and cornerback Bryant McFadden, the Steelers had a very quiet offseason. That’s great news considering the last time they won the Super Bowl, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a motorcycle accident, head coach Bill Cowher retired along with running back Jerome Bettis and Santonio Holmes had some legal problems.

Offense

Minus the loss of Washington, who was a sparingly used wide receiver (40 receptions), the Steelers return the same offense intact. Last year, there were concerns about the Steelers makeshift offensive line and they struggled early on, but the fact that they are back together in their second season starting as a unit should mean improved protection.

A lot of fantasy players are keeping their eyes on the running game, in particular 2008 first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall. It’s questionable what type of impact he’ll have but regardless of who is in the backfield, the Steelers will run the ball.

In the passing game, fantasy production is thin simply because the Steelers are a run oriented defensive team. Both Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are a solid tandem in reality but given Ward’s age and Holmes Super Bowl MVP, which is driving up his value in drafts, both are overrated.

Defense

A lot of NFL predictions are listing the Steelers as the best defense in the NFL and it’s hard to argue with it. There is plenty of consistency and they even have something they have been missing over the past couple of seasons: depth.

On the defensive line, the Steelers spent a first-round pick on Ziggy Hood and are now two-deep everywhere. At linebacker, Larry Foote has been subtracted but the Steelers are a linebacker factory and have plenty of depth to spare.

All-around, this will again be a physical, smash mouth defense. Without question, they are the best in the AFC.

Outlook

The Steelers are a favorite in the week 1 odds when they face the respected Tennessee Titans and they’ll likely be a favorite weekly. There’s no doubt that this team is capable of another Super Bowl run, especially given how much consistency and carryover there is from last year. Look for them to run into the New England Patriots at some point as the Super Bowl winner is likely to come from the AFC.

Follow us on Twitter: @GridironExperts