2010 Pittsburgh Steelers preview
Some NFL writers are higher on the Pittsburgh Steelers than I am. I think they will struggle in 2010, they were only a 9-7 team in 2009 and I don’t see where this team is all that improved. Sure Center Maurkice Pouncey is making a big splash and may end up starting at center before nay of us thought he would. These is the erratic play of QB Ben Roethlisberger, not to mention that fact that he will miss at least three games of the season. They have no adequate backup, and need a larger retooling.
It looks like Bryon Leftwich will lead the offense in Ben’s absence. Sure they have Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, and Antwaan Randle El as their receivers. I am not sold on that group, but they might do ok. Rashard Mendenhall stepped up big time last year at RB, and if will need to do so again. Heath Miller is the TE, and the Offensive Line should play better than they did a year ago.
The defense will be led by SS Troy Polamalu, but this team looks thin at safety. I think they should have drafted a young safety prospect but that is not how this team goes about things. The defense should be ok as they have pro bowl caliber players on the D line and in the LB corps. They will run a base 3-4 defense with Bryant McFadden and Ike Taylor as the starting corners. It’s an above average unit, but it is a unit that is aging.
On Special Teams Jeff Read will be the Kicker, and Daniel Sepulveda will serve as the punter. The thing to remember is the open end of Heinz Field is very tough to kick into. The Steelers will feature Stefan Logan as both kick and punt returner.
Related Links:
•Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes
•The Business of the NFL
•MTR Football
