NFL 2006: Pittsburgh Steelers

Last season was a dream, and for Bill Cowher, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all the fans in the Steel City. Then in 2005, the Steelers finally a victory for the thumb.

Through a second year quarterback, led the Steelers became the first team to three playoff games on the way to win and the first six-seeded to capture wild card team to a Super Bowl. It was the fifth championship in the Super Bowl team in history, giving Pittsburgh a tie with Dallas and San Francisco.

But that's the latestPast. Now a new season has dawned and the question on the minds of football fans everywhere, may repeat the Steelers in 2006?

Offense: Of course the major concern is with Ben Roethlisberger and how he recovers from June a motorcycle accident that broke his jaw and led to numerous facial injuries.

He will not be available for training camp and he will likely miss the start of the regular season. Will his timing, conditioning and strength seriously lacking when he finally finishedgo? The answer to this question will determine how well Pittsburgh fares in 2006.

After the team to the championship game in 2005, Roethlisberger had better be the last year, winning only the second player in NFL history to a Super Bowl in his second year (the other was Kurt Warner for the Rams in 1999 ). The key to his success is if he plays within scheme offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and makes few mistakes. If he can not start the season, veteran Charlie Batch isStart.

The running game is solid, but "The Bus" will be missed. Jerome Bettis retired after 13 seasons and will take his 13,662 yards and 94 touchdowns in the District very soon. His leadership and motivational skills were a big part of the success of Pittsburgh. Undrafted free agent Willie Parker shocked everyone last season by winning the job in training camp and rushing for 1202 yards and four points. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are capable backups. Dan Kreider is a blistering blocker inFullback.

Hines Ward (69-975-11) returns after another solid season, but Antwaan Randle-El left via free agency and that a large gap created for the Steelers to fill. He was not only a solid number two receiver, but he was on special teams as well as deadly. Cedrick Wilson (26-487), Quincy Morgan and top draft pick Santonio Holmes (if he) out of trouble, the two battle for the number. No matter who does the job, Ward wins better for a variety of double teams readySeason.

Heath Miller had an outstanding rookie season at tight end, grabbing 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns. He is a real weapon and will only get better with more experience. Jeram Tuman is a powerful backup.

The launch is one of the best in football and returns all five starters for the year 2006. Center Jeff Hartings and guard Alan Fanecaes, both All-Pro performers, anchors the offensive line. Guard Kendall Simmons and Marvel Smith deals and Max Starks are the rest of thethe unit off. Barrett Brooks, Trai Essex, Chris Kemoeatu are solid reserves.

Defense: The real strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the defensive, and that should be on this side of the case again. Nine starters return from a unit that has given up only 16 points per game and finished fourth in the NFL in total defense.

Casey Hampton mans the nose and is a run stuffing tackle disorder in the nose. Aaron Smith is a defensive end spot, while Travis Kirschke replacedStarted By Kimo Oelhoffen on the other end position. Rookie Orien Harris, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke and Rodney Bailey will see time as well.

The Steelers have arguably the best linebacker in the NFL and they will be counted on again to lead the defense. All-Pro Joey Porter (57 tackles, 11 sacks) and Clark Haggans (61 tackles, nine sacks) are a force from outside, while James Farrior (121 deals) and Larry Foote deals (101) are just as disturbing to the inside. James HarrisonClint Kriewaldt and Rian Wallace provide depth.

When you talk about the Pittsburgh secondary a name jumps. This name is Troy Polamalu. The hard-hitting, long-haired bruiser very quickly the dominant security in the league. He is a Ronnie Lot-type with a motor that never ended. Free agent Ryan Clark (57 tackles, three picks) moves into the free safety spot. Mike Logan, Tyrone Carter and rookie Anthony Smith is also action.

Chris Hope took 97involved and three complaints, attacks, the Tennessee Titans, but the Steelers still Ike Taylor (84), Deshea Townsend, Bryant McFadden and Ricardo Colclough at cornerback. Taylor Townsend are the likely starters.

Special Teams: The Steelers special teams took a blow with Randle-El to go, but an area that has very much the kicking game. Jeff Reed (117 points, 24-29 field goals and 37-37 extra points) and Chris Gardocki (41.8 average) returned both. Morgan (25.3) andColclough (21.5) are the kick women returners and Taylor is the most likely candidate in a step-by Randle El.

Outlook: It's all of Ben Roethlisberger's health and recovery time. If he comes back with full force without consequences, the Steelers have all the parts in a different city for Super Bowl run. A solid running game, a powerful offensive line and a great defense is the cornerstone of championship teams, and Pittsburgh has all three of these aspects in abundance. This team is not sogood as last years though. Bettis, Randle-El, from Oelhoffen and hope are big losses, but the Steelers have the experience, talent and coaching staff to overcome the losses.

Forecast: A healthy Roethlisberger, the Steelers will be for the AFC crown and the Super Bowl challenge. Look for them too deep into the playoffs. Pittsburgh go 11-5 or 12-4, then and only then can Big Ben Bounce back to form.