2009 Steelers Preview: Steel The Favorite

AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Record: 12-4

Offense: B
Defense: A+
Coaching: A-

What’s new: As usual, the Steelers didn’t go through free agency to add pieces. They locked up their own stars and added depth through the draft. The 2nd round choice of Kraig Urbik could be a steal on the offensive line.

What’s good: Basically everything, starting with the ownership and moving down all the way to the practice squad. That defense, especially the linebackers, is the best in the league in my opinion. There is no weak area to attack. How anyone will be able to score 20 points against them is the rest of the NFL’s major dilemma.

What’s bad: The only question mark on the entire team is the offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger got hit way too much last season. Even though they got better as the season progressed, a questionable offensive line is always a problem in this league. Then again, that offensive line just won a Super Bowl.


The Steelers could win one more of these...before the salary cap disappears and they turn in to the NFL's version of the Pirates.

What to expect: Probably another Super Bowl run. This team is a prime example of how a franchise should be run. There is talent on both sides of the football. There is also depth on both sides for when injuries occur and for when some of Pittsburgh’s stars become too expensive to re-sign. The only issue other than the o-line is complacency. The Steelers had one of their worst seasons in recent memory after they won Super Bowl XL. If the line breaks down again, Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall get banged up again and if Big Ben gets bored again, there’s a chance this team could barely slip into the playoffs and be one and done. The odds on Pittsburgh winning the AFC North easily and coasting to at least the AFC Championship game are much higher.