Pittsburgh Steelers: Looking Ahead, the Drive for Seven Begins!

Often, you will hear the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" But in today's NFL, if you don't improve, you fail.

As we begin preparation for the 2009 season, it is time to fix what is not broken.

QB

Many people think that we are set at quarterback. Yes, we have the $100 Million Dollar Man starting, but in the NFL every team needs quality at depth. Byron Leftwich is sure to head to greener pastures (maybe NY Jets), but will Charlie Batch return?

If not, is Dennis Dixon ready to take a step up in the depth chart? Only time will tell.

RB

"Fast" Willie Parker had a down year, with injuries and inconsistency (which can be partially blamed on the O-line). Mewelde Moore stepped up and showed everyone he is a very reliable backup and third down back. 

If Rashard Mendenhall can return from a broken shoulder and Carey Davis and Gery Russell can continue to improve, our backfield could be set!

WR

Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are a fantastic one-two punch.

There are many people disappointed in second rounder Limas Sweed, but not me. He reminded me of a young Plaxico Burress. (Remember in Plaxico's rookie year against Jacksonville when he spiked the ball after a great catch?)

With a year of seasoning, Limas is going to be set to challenge Nate Washington for the third receiver job.

TE

Heath Miller is the all-around tight end. He can block, he can catch, he can run after the catch. Matt Spaeth is great as the second TE.

O-Line

How do you think Alan Fanaca is feeling right now? Big injuries to Kendall Simmons and Marvell Smith showed that this is the weakest part of the team. They did pull it together enough when we needed it, but there has to be improvement. Smith and Max Starks are both going to be gone.

Simmons is going to be back, but unless there is a drastic upgrade, we can forget about winning No. 7 in '09.

With Jordan Gross of the Panthers and Vernon Carey on the free agent market, signing one of them and drafting a tackle will make this line one of the best in years!

D-Line

Talented, but ageing.  Casey Hampton is a BEAST. Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are the perfect combination for 3-4 DE. They are getting a little long in the tooth, and a young stud is needed to groom for replacement. This is still a strength.

LB

This is the strongest position on our team, and every other team in the league.  Woodley and Harrison coming off the outside is a better combination than anyone has had in a very long time. Combined, they had more sacks than any combination of Steelers linebackers ever, and that is a talented list. 

Farrior re-signed last offseason, and Lawrence Timmons is set to take over the other ILB spot. I love Larry Foote, but the reality is that he is probably the odd man out. Unless he stays as a backup, he will probably be a starter on most any other NFL team.

CB

Ike Taylor gets nowhere near the credit he deserves. Yes, in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl Larry Fitzgerald got the best of him, but Ike held him for three quarters, which is more than most corners can do. 

Deshea Townsend is getting up in age, but still holds his own against some of the best. The priority for the Steelers this offseason needs to be re-signing Bryant McFadden. He is a perfect compliment to Ike, and would be a great No. 2 who already knows the defense.

S

After LB, this is the strongest unit on the team. Troy Polamalu is the total package at safety.  He excels in pass coverage, blitzing, stopping the run. He is ALL WORLD! 

Ryan Clark is so overlooked because of Troy; he does not get the credit he deserves.  I can tell you this, Wes Welker and Willis McGahee will never forget Clark.

K

Jeff Reid is becoming Mr. Dependable, always good when needed. Anyone that can kick in Heinz Field like JR deserves all the credit in the world.

P

Daniel Sepulveda is going to come back from the torn ACL from last year. He is a LB in the body of a kicker. He isn't afraid to hit.

Coaches

Mike Tomlin has done in two years what took Bill Cowher 14. He has the intensity of Cowher, which is perfect for this team.

Dick LeBeau has said he is coming back, which means our D should not miss a beat, and Bruce Arians has a bond with Big Ben that should make our offense even better.

Most teams right now are trying to figure out what they need to do to take the next step. We are just a player or two from doing the two-step all the way to our seventh Lombardi!