Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Pittsburgh Steelers
by Chris Brophy
21/7/2008
 
Overview
 
"The Chin" may have moved on but the Steelers still competed in 2007 with new Head Coach Mike Tomlin being savvy enough to not fix something that wasn't broken on defense despite having a background in defensive coaching. Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed a return to form that gave the Steelers solid balance and a strong start to the season gave them enough cushion to hold off the late surge of the Browns. Late on though, things did seem to grind to a halt with the Steelers losing three of their last four regular season games. One of those losses came to the Jaguars, who also proved to be the Steelers undoing in the post season as they outlasted the Steelers in their own back yard. The challenge now is to get over that late season slump and regain momentum for the new season ahead.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Big Ben shrugged off his poor 2006 form to enjoy the finest year of his short career thus far, setting career bests in touchdown passes and passer ratings (only Tom Brady was better in the passer rating stats column). He reduced his mistakes and was able to spread the ball around to all his receivers. Roethlisberger works hard to keep plays alive but it can also be his undoing at times as he was sacked 47 times (only Jon Kitna hit the deck more). Part of that is on his protection but Big Ben has to do a better job of accepting that just throwing the ball away is the wise move at times. He's being given more toys to play with for this coming season though. He'll once again be backed up by Charlie Batch and the third string spot looks likely to go to draftee Dennis Dizon who could earn his spurs like another former Steelers QB, Kordell Stewart, by seeing some time at WR.
Grade: B+
 
Running Backs
 
"Fast" Willie Parker puts up nice looking numbers but the feeling is he isn't consistent enough at times and only two trips to the end zone isn't nearly enough. With that in mind the Steelers must have being delighted when Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps in the first round. For many, he was the #2 back in the draft and he should get involved immediately allowing Parker to reduce his role but hopefully be more effective because of it. Mewelde Moore was also brought in as a free agent but his best chance to make an impact will likely be in the return game although he is a useful receiver from the backfield. Najeh Davenport, who scored more TD's than Parker and had a career year statistically was released so Gary Russell might be the guy who gets the last roster spot. Dan Kreider has not being offered a contract for this coming season so the fullback spot likely goes to Carey Davis who is a bit more versatile than Kreider but not as good a blocker.
Grade: B+
 
Receivers
 
Hines Ward is no longer in his prime but he can still be an effective weapon. With Santanio Holmes opposite to bring the big plays, Ward is now more of a possession receiver although his down field blocking is still an underrated part of the Steelers offense. With the drafting in round 2 of Limas Sweed, Ward might well see more time in the slot as Sweed brings height and a physical presence not seen since Plaxico Burress was a Steeler. Nate Washington (9TDs over the past two seasons) rounds out what is a very solid and versatile set of receivers. It gets better when you add in Heath Miller at TE who is a favourite red zone target for Roethlisberger. Matt Spaeth and Jon Dekker sit behind Miller in the depth chart whilst the final receiver spot will probably be a battle between Willie Reid and Jeremy Bloom.
Grade: A
 
Offensive Line
 
The biggest question mark for the Steelers offense is this unit. It was inconsistent for much of the season and at times, plain bad. As mentioned with regards to Roethlisberger, he was often found running for his life and whilst he did make plays because of it he also got punished more often than any team would like their star player to. To make matters worst, Alan Faneca has moved on to the NY Jets and he was the unquestionable star of this unit although his departure was no surprise. Not much help came in the draft although 4th round pick Tony Hills could be in the shouting match for the RT spot. The starting line-up is likely to see Marvel Smith at LT whilst Sean Mahan moves from the pivot to LG and free agent addition Justin Hartwig takes over at OC. Kendall Simmons at RG and Willie Colon battling Max Starks and Hills at RT. Chris Kemoeatu and Trai Essex led the race for the other roster spots but this unit must play better or the risk of the talent at running back being wasted or Big Ben becoming Busted Ben is an increased possibility.
Grade: C-
 
Defensive Line
 
The Steelers have a defensive line stacked with the perfect talent for their 3-4 scheme but it did take a serious knock late last season when Aaron Smith went down injured and it is no coincidence the Steelers struggles developed at the same time. Smith at DE, along with the steady Brett Keisel on the opposite flank surround four time pro bowler Casey Hampton at NT. Hampton is ably backed up by Chris Hoke who has filled in well in the past when Hampton has been injured whilst Travis Kirschke, former Brown Nick Eason and Ryan McBean will compete for playing time and roster spots.
Grade: B+
 
Linebackers
 
The Steelers were the only team in the 1990s who never gave up their 3-4 defense and when you have a knack of always drafting good linebackers and using them well, it is easy to understand why. When two high picks were spent on 'backers last year, James Harrison responded by becoming a one man wreaking crew, leading the league with 7 forced fumbles. Opposite him outside will be LaMarr Woodley who impressed enough to allow Clark Haggans to be let go. Inside will be Larry Foote and James Farrior who have been together as a pairing since 2004 and whilst not big names in league circles, simply get the complicated scheme into their heads and do their job effectively, whether it's stopping the run, in coverage or getting after the QB when Dick LeBeau sends them on a blitz. Depth is pretty good too with Lawrence Timmons able to back-up inside and out. Rookies Bruce Davis and Mike Humpal look typical Steeler projects who could be useful down the road but for now, will help on special teams. Linebacking looks a strength but a better return than the 36 sacks recorded last season for the whole defense is something this unit has to take responsibility for.
Grade: A-
 
Secondary
 
Troy Polamalu is this unit's talisman but he spent too much of last season in the training room and will be looking for better things in 2008. Anthony Smith stepped in for the injured Ryan Clark and played decently at times although his record with guarantees was nothing to write home about. He'll have to hold off a camp challenge from the aforementioned Clark to keep his roster spot. Ike Taylor looked like a man in danger of losing his job entering the '07 season but he responded with a fine year. Opposite him is the steady veteran DeShea Townsend whilst the nickel back is Bryant McFadden who could still push either of the starters given a chance. More likely he is seen as Townsend's future replacement. Tyrone Carter can play at corner or safety and is a valuable back-up. William Gray and rookie Ryan Mundy will battle for playing time if they make it into the mix. This unit is reasonable but more pressure from the front seven will help them because this blitz heavy scheme can leave them exposed at times. If the pressure happens, this unit can help improve on improving a total of 25 takeaways that was recorded in 2007.
Grade: B
 
Special Teams
 
Jeff Reed rebounded from a poor 2006 to have a career best 92% kicking percentage in 2007. Heinz Field is not the easiest place to kick neither. Left footer Daniel Sepulveda had a solid first year punting with only 2 touchbacks yet 28 punts inside the 20 and he even managed to compete the odd pass! He also holds whilst Greg Warren sends the snaps back. The return jobs are wide open with Allen Rossum not invited back. Mewelde Moore looks the likely favourite to be the prime returner but the likes of Willie Reid and Jeremy Bloom need to offer a return option to increase their chances of making the roster.
Grade: B
 
Coaching
 
Mike Tomlin came from a cover 2 defensive background but the Steelers brought him in to be a leader and organizer. So far so good as Tomlin allowed his experienced assistants to run their units with their schemes without tinkering too much. The challenge for Tomlin is first to not let the poor end of the season carry over in 2008. Dick LeBeau will once again run the defense and Bruce Arians stepped up from coaching the wide receivers to open up the offense. The influence of QB Coach Ken Anderson on Ben Roethlisberger is worth noting too.
Grade: B+
 
Outlook
 
The Steelers still boast a traditional strength in their defense but it is a wide open offense that is looking to involve all its talented skill players that will tell how far the Steelers get. If they can protect Ben Roethlisberger and open lanes for the dual running threat of Parker and Mendenhall then things look sweet in Steeler Country. If the offensive line can't help make those weapons put points on the scoreboard it will be down to the defense to save the bacon. The AFC North doesn't look as strong as in previous years and with the talent they have, the Steelers have to be considered strong favourites to win the division in 2008. Getting deeper into the post season has to be this franchises real aim.