In the offseason, the Steelers inked both starters on Ben's blind side of the O-line to long-term contracts. Left tackle Max Starks and left guard Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu is quickly becoming one of the games most dominant offensive lineman. Another reason to feel better about the 2009 offensive line is the age factor. Four of the five projected starters are in their mid 20s. Right tackle Willie Colon is another Steeler lineman poised for a big season. At 6'3, 315 pounds Colon came to camp in great shape and Mike Tomlin feels that along with Kemoeatu, Colon is one of the game's best O-lineman.
The run game last year was ranked 23rd in the NFL. This year with a determined offensive line, that ranking should improve. Willie Parker leads a healthy trio of running backs this season. Mewelde Moore will be an elusive 3rd down back, and now that Rashard Mendenhall is recovered from a shoulder injury last year, there should be a healthy competition for the top running back spot.
Above: Rookie Mike Wallace takes it all in from
Super Bowl hero Santonio Holmes at training camp.
Behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, the 3rd wide receiver spot is wide open. That spot on the depth chart looks to be down to a three horse race between Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace, and Shaun McDonald. Limas Sweed says that he is ready to step up and fill that void in the Steelers passing attack. At 6'4, 220 pounds Sweed could be a very good possession receiver if he has a nice preseason. Rookie Mike Wallace is an intriguing player out of Ole Miss. At 6'0, Wallace displays excellent speed and is dynamic in the return game. Even if Wallace does not win the job for the number three wide receiver, he should stay on the active roster as a special teams player. One thing Shaun McDonald has over both Sweed and Wallace is 7 years of experience in the NFL. No matter who wins the position battle, McDonald will stay on the active roster and add depth and experience to the Steelers wide receivers.
On defense there is not much too worry about. 10 of 11 starters return. The only loss is cornerback Bryant McFadden to the runners up of the NFL just a short year ago. James Harrison and ageless vet James Farrior are back to lead the Blitzburgh linebackers. LaMarr Woodley has reported to camp in tip top shape, and is poised for another huge year. Woodley himself says that he wants to better his impressive stats that he put up a year ago. With Lawrence Timmons picked as the AFC North breakout player of the year, there shouldn't be many defensive lapses this year.
Above: Casey Hampton has reportedly
come to camp in great shape this year.
The defensive line will once again be amongst the league's best run stoppers. The D-line did not lose a single player and with the addition of Ziggy Hood, it only makes matters worse for the rest of the league.
Willis McGahee still feels the hit from last year's AFC Championship Game
The secondary will be rough, tough, and hard hitting once again. Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark will both be patrolling the field from the safety position. The loss of McFadden might hurt a little, but that gives the opportunity for third year man out of Louisville William Gay to become a full time starter. I have no worries for the Steeler D in 2009.
So that is the breakdown of the roster on both sides of the ball for 2009. As I said before the Steelers have a favorable schedule for this season. A year ago Pittsburgh had the #1 toughest NFL schedule. Fresh off their 6th Super Bowl victory, Pittsburgh has the 29th easiest schedule in 2009. Last year, the tough regular season had the Steelers battle tested and playoff ready. Let's hope that the champs don't get too high on themselves with an easy regular season schedule.
Now it's time to break down the schedule week by week. I'll give my thoughts on how I feel the Steelers will finish up this season.
Week 1
Thursday, September 10
8:30 pm NBC
vs Tennessee
So the Steelers start out with a tough foe to kick off the season. The Titans should once again have a good defense. Although I would take Dick LeBeau and his boys any day of the week. I feel that Pittsburgh has the offensive advantage in this game. Pittsburgh has a better quarterback and better receivers, even with the Titans addition of Nate "don't drop me" Washington. Tennessee definitely has the advantage in the run game, with upstart ECU alumni Chris Johnson. However, I don't think the ground game will play much of a factor. When you have two teams who can play defense and stop the run this well, points will be hard to come by. I think this game will be won on defense. It's gonna a tough, grind it out contest. Also referred to as Steeler Football. I think the big play Pittsburgh D wins the game for the Steelers in a tight 17-13 week one victory.
Week 2
Sunday, September 20
4:15 CBS
AT Chicago
Even with the addition of Jay Cutler, the Bears just don't have the offensive capabilities to beat most good defenses. Other than Cutler, one of the few other bright spots in the Bears is second year man out of Tulane, RB Matt Forte. Last year, Forte was not only counted on as a running back, but he was also a huge part of the passing game. The lack of a true wide receiver that can take over the passing game will hurt Chicago this year, and in this match up. I anticipate the Steelers to shut down Chicago on the road at Soldier Field. I have no worries at all about the offense in this game. The Bears defense is aging more and more every single season, and they are not that #1 Defense from the 2005-2006 season anymore. Expect a nice game out of Willie Parker and Big Ben. Steelers win 24-10.
Week 3
Sunday, September 27
4:15 CBS
AT Cincinnati
The fans of Cincinnati will once again have to deal with a dismal season. The loss of TJ Houshmandzadeh will certainly weaken the Bengals passing attack. The Bengals return with a lackluster defense and running game. Just about the lone bright spot is QB Carson Palmer. With the only established deep threat being Chad Ochocinco, Cincy will struggle offensively. It definitely is not risky to say that the Bengals will finish in the AFC North cellar once again. I honestly can't see Cincy making a game of it. Steelers roll 34-13.
Week 4
Sunday, October 4
8:20 NBC
VS San Diego
At this stage in the season I have the Steelers 3-0. This looks to be a very intriguing match up. The late night start will not at all affect a team coming over from the West Coast. Offensively the Chargers are loaded. With a great decision maker in Phillip Rivers and big, tall, playmaking receivers, San Diego has a very potent passing game. Also factor in a great running back looking to have a big bounce back year. Which team is better to make a statement against than Pittsburgh? San Diego's defense is a question mark because of injuries. This game looks great on paper. Last year the Steelers won the low scoring slugfest and the divisional playoff game against San Diego. A tough game for both teams. I see the Steelers tasting defeat in this game by the score of 24-20.
Week 5
Sunday, October 11
1:00 CBS
AT Detroit
The Lions. Where do I start? Well let's just say that even with Matthew Stafford, they virtually have a 1.4537% chance at emerging victorious in this game. If the golden boy (Stafford) is under center by then, I feel he will get his "welcome to the NFL moment" once James Harrison blind sides him for a huge sack. Look at the match ups on paper. The only cause for concern that Lions can give the Steelers is Calvin Johnson. Pittsburgh is just WAY too much for the Detroit Lions in this one. Pittsburgh routs Detroit 41-14.
Week 6
Sunday, October 18
1:00 CBS
VS Cleveland
Now that the Mangenius is at the helm in Cleveland, Browns fans are hoping for a quick turnaround. I feel differently. As we speak, Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, are locked in a position battle for the starting quarterback job. And as the old saying goes, "when you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback." The defense is not there for the Browns to make any sort of run this season. Much like the Lions and Bengals, Cleveland just does not match up with Pittsburgh. So the winning streak vs. the Browns rolls on. Pittsburgh wins 31-10.
Week 7
Sunday, October 25
1:00 FOX
VS Minnesota
Much like in week 4, the Steelers will have a tough opponent coming into Heinz Field. Another very good match up on paper. The biggest story will be Adrian Peterson trying to run over the Steeler D. Minnesota has a great, and I mean great offensive line, so I would not say that it is not possible for Peterson to have a nice afternoon. One cause for concern I have is the Vikings receivers. When you look across the board, everyone of them are tall, but posses great speed and catching abilities. At 6'4, Sidney Rice could definitely cause a problem for the Steelers. However, the lack of a game changing quarterback could be the demise of the Vikings in some games this season. Defensively, both teams are solid, but I would take the Steeler defense over the Viking defense any day of the week. I anticipate a well played, evenly matched game on both sides of the ball. Steelers pull out a close one 23-20.
Week 8
BYE
The bye week comes at week 9 this season. I have the Steelers rolling into their week off with a 7-1 record. The lone loss coming at home to the San Diego Chargers.
Week 9
Monday, November 9
8:30 ESPN
AT Denver
In week 9 we will witness the Steelers only Monday Night Football game of the season. Now I in a way understand what Josh McDaniels is doing in Denver. I feel that what he is trying to do is install the mindset that this is now HIS team, and if you don't like it get out. That act eventually wheres thin on players. To be quite honest, I think that it already has. Losing Jay Cutler is a huge loss. Contrary to what McDaniels says, I am sure that he wishes he had Jay Cutler under center for his team. I can honestly sense a lot of dissension on that team. That being said, I see a dismal season in the future for the Broncos. I am not even gonna get into match ups for this game. Steelers win on the road, 31-17.
Week 10
Sunday, November 15
1:00 CBS
VS Cincinnati
With a short week after playing on Monday Night Football, I can't think of a better opponent to have on your schedule for week 10. The Steelers have the joyous pleasure of hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. At this point in the season Chad Ochocinco's act of being the attention whore will get under his teammates skin. Cincinnati is another divided team. I went over all of the on paper match ups in week 3. Not a surprising pick, Steelers win 27-7.
Week 11
Sunday, November 22
1:00 CBS
AT Kansas City
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As the old cliche goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Well in this case we have the World Champion Steelers, matched up once again with a sub par opponent. In a rebuilding process, the Chiefs are starting to put together a fairly decent offensive line. But is it gonna be good enough to stop this Steelers pass rush? Or, will we see a repeat of last year when the Steelers were the first team to actually welcome Matt Cassel to the NFL. Defensively, the lone bright spot is DE Tamba Hali. This is not a good match up for KC at all. Steelers win 28-10.
Week 12
Sunday, November 29
8:20 NBC
AT Baltimore
Well Steeler, fans this was the game we all have been waiting for. The first game of the season against the Ravens comes in week 12. Baltimore will have second year man, Joe Flacco leading the charge. Like Pittsburgh, Baltimore has an easy schedule as well, which tells me that both teams will come into this game with a great record. If that is true, this might turn out to be more than just a game. Now last season, Pittsburgh completed the 3-game sweep of Baltimore. The third and final game, clinched a trip to Super Bowl 43 for the winners, and I think we all know how that turned out. Baltimore does not hide the fact that they do not like the Steelers, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I can see this Sunday night game being played in a very hostile environment. We all know the match ups both teams have on each other. Ward-Rolle, Holmes-Ivy, Steelers O-line-against Ravens linebackers, and the list goes on and on. Now make no mistake about it, Baltimore needs this game more than the Steelers. The second meeting in a few weeks between the two teams is at the friendly confines of Heinz Field, which tells me that Baltimore is gonna at least try to split with the Steelers, by taking one game. Backed by the hostile crowd, I pick the Ravens in a close one 21-17.Week 13
Sunday, December 6
1:00 CBS
VS Oakland
At this point it's still unclear of who will be starting at quarterback when week one rolls around for the Raiders. Now factor in a new receiving target in Darrius Heyward-Bey for the Raiders, and you could have a tough match up. Heyward-Bay, the Raiders first round pick this year, has excellent speed, and is very good out of his breaks when running routes. I would expect RB Darren McFadden to have a very good season this year. With a year under his belt, McFadden should be more of a threat in the run game. With all of this talk, the Raiders are still, just that...the Raiders. Plus this is a team from the West Coast coming East for a 1:00 start. That's a 10:00 start in California. Not gonna work. Steelers win 23-14.
Week 14
Thursday, December 10
8:20 NFL Network
AT Cleveland
Coming off a short week, Pittsburgh has to travel to the city that, for some unknown reason, is not on the map. At this point in the season there is not much more to say for this game. The Steelers are the Steelers. And the Browns, well.....they're still the Browns. I can't see the Steelers losing in this game. Check the match up if you want from week 6. Steelers win 38-14.
Week 15
Sunday, December 20
1:00 FOX
VS Green Bay
Coming off a Thursday night contest, the Steelers have ten days off to prepare for a tough home contest with Green Bay. This is a game that really peaks my interest. When I look at Green Bay I can see a great offensive line, that helps to lead an explosive offense. As us fantasy owners know, quarterback Aaron Rogers did not disappoint us last year. I see know reason to say that he can not do that again this year. Factor in having WR Greg Jennings as your number one target, you can pile up the passing yards easily. Ryan Grant is probably one of the most underrated starting running backs in football. The guy can run outside, and he can run between the tackles. With the type of offensive line he has, Grant can easily take over a game. Defensively, Green Bay is very quick at the linebacker position. Their secondary covers great ground and has great speed. Now when I put both teams on paper Pittsburgh is definitely the better team. The Steelers, who I have in a playoff spot already, might get lulled to sleep a little in this contest. I think that Green Bay, who might not have their post season fate yet, will treat this as a must win. I expect to see Pittsburgh come out slow and sluggish in this game. Green Bay will take advantage. Pittsburgh loses 28-17.
Week 16
Sunday, December 27
1:00 CBS
VS Baltimore
Well here is the rubber match between the two contenders. Have no fear Yinzer Nation, Coach Tomlin will have the boys ready to play coming off a surprising loss. This would probably be a must win for Pittsburgh if they want a division championship. I expect renegade to be blasted a few times in this one. Pittsburgh wins 20-14.
Week 17
Sunday, January 3
1:00 CBS
AT Miami
Well it's the regular season finale for the champs. What a great place to spend your New Year. Well one thing is for sure, the Wildcat won't work against Pittsburgh. Miami took a huge step into becoming a good team last year. Now there is a quantum leap that the Dolphins need to take to get to the level that Pittsburgh is at. Offensively, Miami is on their way, but on defense is where they need some work. Pittsburgh more than likely has everything they need locked up for the post season. If that is true I would expect the starters to only play about half the game. That being said I think that Pittsburgh still emerges victorious 23-17.So I have the Steelers going 13-3 in the regular season. With losses coming to San Diego, Baltimore, and a surprising home loss to Green Bay. When I honestly look at the schedule, I feel with confidence, that Pittsburgh can win at least 14 or 15 games. But this is the NFL. Any given Sunday, something can happen. You have to be realistic. Now remember, all of this is being predicted as if the Steelers are injury free throughout the whole season. A lot can change if Ben goes down in week 3. (Knock on Wood)
When I do look at the schedule, it is truly amazing to look at how many breaks they get. With a short week after the Monday night game with Denver, they play the Bengals. The same can be said that in the span of five days they will play both Oakland and Cleveland, two teams as of now who show no shot at knocking off the Steelers this year. Even after the Thursday night game, they have ten days to prepare for one of their tougher games against Green Bay. The schedule is filled with breaks.
As we all know, predictions mean nothing. So it's a long season. Players are gonna get hurt, and strange things might happen. Until then, enjoy the preseason. Any feedback and your thoughts on the 2009 Steelers are greatly appreciated. Just leave me a comment or send me an email at pghfever@yahoo.com.
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