Five Steelers Whose Performances Could Decline In 2009

1 of 8

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up on defense during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Steelers had an unbelievable 2009 season, completing it with a Super Bowl. Though many Steelers are poised to become better next season, some may decline in talent. This list tells what Steelers fans don't want to hear, but could have to hear. Keep in mind that this is all speculation and none of this may even happen.

No. 5: James Harrison

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stand on the field during warm ups against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Ge

He's big, he's strong, he's 30. James Harrison has been a great suprise to Steelers fans since Joey Porter left. The problem with Harrison is he is getting older, slower, and his body will not be able to take the hits he will receive.

No. 4: Hines Ward

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 21: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers moves on the field during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 21, 2008 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Hines Ward is 33-years-old. In football, that's about 80-years-old. He is riding out his final few years in Pittsburgh, hoping to get the best out of them. The major problem with Hines Ward is his knees. His season depends on his knees. Will they hold up?

No. 3: Willie Parker

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Running back Willie Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Steelers won 27-23. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty

Parker is soon to turn 30, which is a bad age for running backs. If you combine his age with his reoccurring injuries, it could be a long season for Fast Willie.

No. 2: James Farrior

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 29: James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up for a play during the game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 29, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The coaching staff has a lot of faith in the man pictured above. He's strong, smart, physical, and becoming old. The older your body gets in football, the less pressure it will be able to handle. His physicality is unbelievable, but if he gets injured this season, that could be it.

No. 1: Ike Taylor

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the San Francisco 49ers on September 23, 2007 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 36-17. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Don't get me wrong, Ike Taylor is good. The problem with Ike is that he is more of a pass deflector, not an interceptor. Last season, there were instances when his tipped ball ended up into the hands of the opposition. If he avoids giving the other team the ball, he will have a great season.

This is just all speculation

The chances of any of this happening are slim-to-none. This is just the list of the five players who COULD decline. If anything, there may not even be a declining player on this list. I guess we just have to wait and see.

Begin Slideshow