Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Season Outlook

It's realistic to expect at least a deep run into the playoffs for the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.


Most fans would probably consider anything less than the franchise’s seventh Lombardi Trophy to be a disappointment.


That won’t be an easy task, though, as the Patriots are the only team to repeat as champions in this decade in a league known for its parity. When the Steelers won the championship in 2005, they followed that up with an 8-8 season and missed the playoffs.


This year’s team hopes to avoid the issues that derailed Pittsburgh's previous defending championship team, most notably Ben Roethlisberger’s motorcycle accident in the summer before the season. Much of their key personnel will return with the notable exceptions of Larry Foote, Bryant McFadden, Marvel Smith and Nate Washington.


Foote was released after he expressed displeasure at having to battle for his starting outside linebacker position with Lawrence Timmons, the team’s first-round pick in 2007. However, the Steelers have a history of being able plug in new linebackers and continue to have a dominating defense. On top of that, Timmons played well in a limited role during the 2008 season with 65 total tackles and five sacks.


More troubling on defense is the loss of McFadden. As the top free agent cornerback this offseason, he continually improved during his four years with the Steelers. Deshea Townsend, who will turn 34 during this season, will be counted on to play alongside shutdown corner Ike Taylor. Townsend has always fit in better as a nickel cornerback.


On offense, the loss of Smith is a tough blow as he was an anchor on the line, starting 108 games during his nine years with the team. His loss hurts all the more as the offensive line was the Steelers’ biggest weakness in 2008. It is once again a question mark heading into this season.


If the line can play well, the Steelers could have an explosive offense. Willie Parker was not healthy for much of 2008 and only began to look like his old self during the playoffs. If Rashard Mendenhall, the team’s 2008 first-round pick who was injured almost all of last season, lives up to his potential, he and Parker could make a difficult tandem for other teams to game plan against.


At wide receiver, Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward will once again be a handful for opposing defenses. Holmes has the speed to break away from defenses and seems poised to break out and have a Pro Bowl-type year. While the loss of Washington stings, second-year player Limas Sweed will look to step in and fill Washington’s role as the Steelers’ deep threat.


Most important for the offense, as it has been for the past five seasons, will be the health of Roethlisberger. He has a penchant for trying to keep plays alive instead of throwing the ball away and thus, has been injury-prone.


In general, injuries could be the Steelers’ biggest concern. If they can stay healthy and the offensive line becomes a solid group, this team should be in the hunt for the Super Bowl again.