Texecutioner
07-01-2009, 01:57 PM
On the way to winning their NFL-record sixth Super Bowl trophy, the Steelers debunked the myth that games are won or lost along the line of scrimmage. That is, at least as far as their offensive line is concerned.
The Steelers also reinforced what they believed all along: Even when faced with the NFL's toughest regular-season schedule, you are never out of any game when you have a dominating defense and a marquee quarterback.
So why should 2009 be any different?
Of the 22 starters who combined to beat the Cardinals in Super Bowl 43, the Steelers lost only two -- cornerback Bryant McFadden, who signed with Arizona, and inside linebacker Larry Foote, who was cut this spring.
Look for more clutch play from Ben Roethlisberger, 27, who is just entering his prime. And there's no reason to think the defense, which dominated the NFL in just about every facet last year, won't be just as good.
Steelers camp countdown: Dominant 'D' + clutch QB = another playoff run | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-07-01/steelers-camp-countdown-dominant-d-clutch-qb-another-playoff-run)
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers be an even better team this year than they were last year. Their offense was a big disappointment to me last season since their O line was even worse than the season before. Their defense should still be at the top. Homes should get even better and Sweed should as well. Mendenhall will most likely be a beast if he's healthy. It's just a matter of if they're O line can get better.
The Steelers also reinforced what they believed all along: Even when faced with the NFL's toughest regular-season schedule, you are never out of any game when you have a dominating defense and a marquee quarterback.
So why should 2009 be any different?
Of the 22 starters who combined to beat the Cardinals in Super Bowl 43, the Steelers lost only two -- cornerback Bryant McFadden, who signed with Arizona, and inside linebacker Larry Foote, who was cut this spring.
Look for more clutch play from Ben Roethlisberger, 27, who is just entering his prime. And there's no reason to think the defense, which dominated the NFL in just about every facet last year, won't be just as good.
Steelers camp countdown: Dominant 'D' + clutch QB = another playoff run | Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-07-01/steelers-camp-countdown-dominant-d-clutch-qb-another-playoff-run)
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers be an even better team this year than they were last year. Their offense was a big disappointment to me last season since their O line was even worse than the season before. Their defense should still be at the top. Homes should get even better and Sweed should as well. Mendenhall will most likely be a beast if he's healthy. It's just a matter of if they're O line can get better.