Steelers 2008 Season Preview

I had previously written this article prior to the 2008 season. You can see which of my predictions came true, and which did not.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be challenged this season, with the NFL's toughest schedule. The key to being successful this season will be to get out to a fast start.

The Steelers open the season against the Houston Texans in what will almost be a must win game. After that, the Steelers will be tested with games against the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys, just to name a few.

Head coach Mike Tomlin is entering his second season as Steelers head coach, and he should feel much more comfortable with his decision making and personnel. The Steelers lost a few key veterans to free agency, but are replacing them with young players full of potential. Here is a position by position break down of what to expect from the respective players.

QUARTERBACKS:

I fully expect Ben Roethlisberger to pick up where he left off. Last season, Big Ben threw for 3,154 yards, 32 Touchdowns, with only 11 interceptions.

It was definitely a break out season for Ben, and with more weapons at his disposal this season, I would not be surprised to see his TD numbers somewhere in the high 30's. Charlie Batch was lost for the season with a broken collarbone, but Byron Leftwich allows Steelers fans to sleep a little better at night with his solid play in the preseason.

I loved Dennis Dixon at the University of Oregon, but if it ever comes down to him starting a game for us this season, we are in serious trouble. He just didn't get enough game experience in the preseason for me to feel comfortable with him playing any meaningful snaps under center this season.

RUNNINGBACKS:

Willie Parker looks to be fully healed from last seasons broken leg that cut his magnificent season short. All Willie Parker did prior to his injury was lead the NFL in rushing with 1,316 yards.

His two td's is a bit of a concern with all the uncertainty that the Steelers have in their goal line running game, but I'm sure that Fast Willie will be up to the task if called upon. Rookie runningback Rashard Mendenhall showed a lot of promise in the preseason with his tough running between the tackles, but his fumbling issues might cost him the goal line carries in the long run.

However, Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians has insisted that he will still involve Mendenhall in the gameplan, so hopefully this will be the last time we hear Rashard Mendenhall and fumble in the same sentence. Mewelde Moore will the third down back; he was brought in for his catching, running, and blocking skills.

He will also help in the punt return game. Gary Russell will probably play minimally, but he could end up getting some goal line carries if Mendenhall continues to struggle with holding onto the ball.

FULLBACK:

Carey Davis is the starting fullback, and is our only fullback. He is very solid in the pass catching department, although he is not quite the blocker that Dan Kreider was.

TIGHT ENDS:

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