Pittsburgh Steelers: The 4 Biggest Concerns Heading into the 2011 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers always seem to be at the center of the AFC playoff race, but that doesn't mean that they don't have concerns as they head toward the 2011 NFL season.
Every team, especially in a year in which the work stoppage and lockout has prohibited free agency and team-sponsored workout and practice sessions, has serious concerns heading into the year.
Here are the top four concerns for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for what everyone hopes will be a full 2011 season.
1. The Cornerback Situation
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Level of Concern
Very, very high. The Steelers were badly exposed in the Super Bowl by Aaron Rodgers and his receivers. They've lacked a marquee player at the position since the days of Rod Woodson. Ike Taylor is above average, but he's a free agent and there's no guarantee that he'll return to Pittsburgh once the lockout is lifted.
Game Plan
The Steelers probably already have a list of backup plans in case negotiations with Taylor fail to bear fruit. I would say target number one should be Carlos Rogers of the Redskins. He's a similar player to Taylor and could fill in for a few years at a relatively affordable price.
You can probably count guys like Nnamdi Asomugha out. It's just not the Steelers' way of doing business.
2. The Lack of Offseason Work
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Level of Concern
Moderately high. The Steelers, like every team, need time to get rookies and new players acclimated to the team's playbooks. That time is crucial for everyone to get on the same page and for the team to get ready for the new season.
It the Steelers (as well as other teams) can't get that time in before training camp, the level of rust on everyone will be much greater. The major concern is that rookies and newcomers will not be ready to take the field once play does start.
Game Plan
There's not much that can be done. Teams and coaches can have no contact with the players. Most teams have players organizing workouts on their own. That's a good sign, but it's far from perfection.
Fortunately, all 32 teams are in the same boat and will be until league business resumes.
3. Super Bowl Loss Hangover
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Level of Concern
Moderate. The Steelers don't seem to play by these rules. They're at their best when people expect them to be at their worst. They also return virtually the same team, hopefully with improvement at corner and along the offensive line.
If things go as expected in those areas, the Steelers will take the field as a better and more talented team. They'll be expected to be underdogs by people who believe that losing the Super Bowl is the biggest morale killer in football. That bodes very well.
Game Plan
Mike Tomlin did his best work last year as people predicted that the Steelers would be a mediocre, 7-9-type team. They went 12-4 and played in the Super Bowl, once again proving that they were the class of the AFC even as they weathered all sorts of bad breaks.
If Tomlin can do so well with that, he can surely take a more talented team and keep them focused. If he can do as good a coaching job as he did last season, this year could be special for the Steelers.
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4. The Level of Competition
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Level of Concern
Moderately low. In the division, the Browns look to be somewhat improved, but not to the level that they'd threaten for the division yet. In another year or two, they could be a big problem. The Bengals remain a team in disarray. The Ravens will be a tough out as usual, but still seem to be a team that will struggle to win big games.
Outside the division, the team's biggest competition will be the usual suspects in New England, New York, and Indianapolis. The Steelers can beat the Jets. They can also beat the Colts. At some point, you have to figure they'll learn how to beat the Patriots (nobody's luck can hold forever).
Game Plan
The Steelers should do business the same way as usual. They will play two of their three biggest competitors this year in Indianapolis and at home against the Patriots. Those games will, as usual, show a lot about this team.
I'd expect them to give both teams a better run for their money now that there is expected improvement. This isn't the same schedule as last year and doesn't seem to possess any major hurdles. The biggest key will be to stay healthy throughout.
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