Steelers a healthy pick in AFC
Everything appeared to align just right for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2005 postseason.
Hitting their stride at just the right time, the Steelers, a Wild Card team, upset Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Denver on their way to the Super Bowl.
Then the Steelers beat Seattle for the franchise's fifth Super Bowl championship.
So, the question is this: was the Steelers' run last year the result of the stars aligning, or was it the beginning of a dynasty?
One thing is for sure: the Steelers' offseason did not go as smoothly as the playoffs. There were expected losses for Pittsburgh. Jerome Bettis retired and wide receiver Antwaan Randle El split for Washington.
But some things were unforeseen. The selection of Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes in the draft looked like a perfect move. Until Holmes forgot the Steelers — not the Bengals — drafted him. He was arrested twice in the offseason.
Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had an even more trying couple of months. It started in June, when he was in a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh. The third-year quarterback was not wearing a helmet, and had to undergo seven hours of surgery for facial injuries.
Roethlisberger said afterwards he was lucky to survive. With that in mind, it was rather amazing he played in the preseason, and appeared ready for the Steelers' regular season.
That was until earlier this week, when Roethlisberger had an emergency appendectomy. The quarterback will miss at least the season opener tonight against the Dolphins.
Then, there is Bill Cowher. The Steelers' probably thought Jerome Bettis' retirement meant it would be the last time they heard from him, except on holidays and team reunions.
But Bettis, now an analyst at NBC, made a grand debut for the network when he said he believed Cowher was in his final year with the team. This appeared to upset Cowher, but the fact remains the coach is in the final year of his contract with the Steelers, and he has put off discussions about an extension.
No one can know what effect all the offseason issues will have on the Super Bowl champions. And no, their 0-4 preseason is not significant.
But the Steelers open the season tonight against Miami with journeyman Charlie Batch under center. While that may appear to be a problem, one thing is for sure: Batch will have time to throw, and running back Willie Parker will have holes to run through.
That's because Pittsburgh boasts one of the strongest offensive lines in the league, with all of its starters back from last season. With a line that includes Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca, Kendall Simmons, and Max Starks, the Steelers will not have any problems — unless injuries strike.
If Roethlisberger is able to play as he's capable, there may not be much dropoff in the Steelers' offense. Parker, an undrafted rookie, rushed for 1,200 yards in 2006. And Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward is back.
The defense appears just as strong as last season with standouts in every area of the defense. Joey Porter returns at linebacker, Troy Polamalu at strong safety, and Casey Hampton at nose tackle.
The lineup on both sides of the ball is enough to believe that, if healthy, the Steelers will win the AFC North (something they failed to do last season) and compete for the conference title.
The Steelers are my pick in the AFC, based on strength and depth. But there is an asterisk next to that pick.
If Roethlisberger is out for any significant period of time, I don't see Pittsburgh making the Super Bowl, or winning the division. Batch was 2-0 as a starter last season. But one of those starts came against the Browns.
But if Big Ben is healthy, look out.
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