Pittsburgh Steelers – AFC North Preview

Rookie Head Coach Mike Tomlin was hired to return a talented Pittsburgh Steelers team back to prominence. Most of the core players from the 2005 Super Bowl Champion team remain but the team must get more consistent play from QB Ben Rothlisberger. There will be an adjustment period with Tomlin and a new offensive coordinator, however the Steelers have the ability to reach the post season again. SBG Global have made the Pittsburgh Steelers +2200 odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl XLII.

On offense, Pittsburgh will be looking to throw the ball with more regularity under new coordinator Bruce Arians. The Steelers will continue to be primarily a running team but Big Ben will be relied on more to score points. QB Roethlisberger, at his best, is an improvising leader with a big-time arm. After an off season last year marred with incidents, Ben looked rusty when he returned to the field. Look for Ben to bounce back strong in 2007. Willie Parker has emerged as RB in the upper echelon of the NFL. Parker can fly with his 4.3 speed. With more experience, Parker has the potential to be even better.

RB Najeh Davenport is a nice complement to Parker with his power and speed in the open field. WR Hines Ward might just be the best player in the game from an intangible perspective. Hines isn’t the most physically gifted wideout, but he brings toughness, intensity and intelligence every game day. The O-Line must tighten up after allowing Roethlisberger to get sacked 46 times. Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca still opens holes with the best of them, but the right side has some leaks.

Their was concern among the Steelers faithful that 4-3 minded Head Coach Tomlin would abandon the long standing 3-4. Although Tomlin will use more cover 2 schemes, the D will remain the same for the most part. The Defensive Line is a team strength. DE Aaron Smith is a tenacious player that gets off his blocks very well. Massive Nose Tackle Casey Hampton is an immovable object in the middle. DE Brett Keisel is a hustling player who is an outstanding pass rusher. The Linebacking position has a mixture of aging and young players that are tough. ILB James Farrior is no spring chicken but he continues to make plays all over the gridiron, year in and year out.