Super Bowl or Bust: A Look at the 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers captured their sixth Lombardi trophy.  Leading to high expectations for the 2009 season.

It was another "standard" offseason for the Steelers, bringing in no big name free agents, and signing the core of the team that helped them win it all last year.

Resigned were future Hall of Famer Hines Ward, signing a five year contract worth up to $22 million dollars.  Ward, the leader in most important statistical categories in Steeler history, is the mold in which Mike Tomlin would like to build his receiving corp.

Though not the fastest person on the team, Ward is one of the best players in the league at running routes, and holding on to the ball when he gets hit.

There is also not a single receiver in the NFL that blocks as good as Hines Ward.  You can tell that Wards influence is rubbing off on the younger players, apparent in the AFC Championship game when Limas Sweed planted Ravens CB Corey Ivy.

Chris Kemoteau returns, after snubbing a larger contract offered by the New York Jets.  Kemoteau replaced All-Pro Alan Fanaca, who last year snubbed the Steelers to join the Jets.

Though, Kemoteau had some tough moments replacing the future Hall of Famer, he held his own against one of the toughest schedules the NFL has had in the last 20 years.

Max Starks was once again tagged with the Franchise designation.  It was important for the Steelers to keep their offensive line together.  As much as been said about the lacking of the O-line, they were good enough to win the Super Bowl.

Gone are third receiver Nate Washington, who left for a larger role with the Tennessee Titans.  Washington, who has a lot of speed, would never be good enough to jump over Hines Ward or Santonio Holmes, both Super Bowl MVP's.

Limas Sweed will have to step up to fill the hole created by the departure of Washington.  Sweed is just as fast, and a bigger target for Big Ben Roethlisberger.

Corner Back Bryant McFadden was signed to a two year $10 million dollar contract by the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals.

William Gay, who is entering his third year with the Steelers is expected to take McFaddens place.

While McFadden was injured during last season, Gay performed well enough to take some playing time away from McFadden.  The two alternated every third possession after McFadden came back from injury.

Gay also made the game ending interception against the Baltimore Ravens in the final seconds of their week 15 contest.

ILB Larry Foote recently asked for his release, due to his lack of playing time.  Lawrence Timmons was drafted two years ago to eventually take Footes place.

In his limited time, Timmons showed he has all the tools to replace Foote.  He is faster and stronger, and is ready to assume the role next to James Farrior in the middle.

Coming off one of the toughest schedules last year, to the third easiest this year, there is no reason to think that the Steelers team that is going to take the field in 2009 is not every bit as good as the one the hoisted the Lombardi in 2008.

Anything less, would be failure.