Encore: Roethlisberger, Steelers Can Repeat as Champions

The way to win the AFC North is very simple: Beat the Steelers.

Pittsburgh dominated the division in 2008, winning all six regular season games and defeating the Ravens en route to a record sixth Super Bowl victory.  

In order for them to repeat, they must have a similar season.

We don't have to question the reason they were so dominant in their division last year because it was expected of them. Their powerful defense held their opponents in check and over-powered them up front.  

However, with some personnel changes in their linebacker core, it will be interesting to see how the Steelers adapt.

With Larry Foote's release, Lawrence Timmons moves into the middle linebacker position. Last season, Timmons showed his talents alongside Foote when the Steelers went into pass defense out of the nickel. In previous seasons, they favored a dime setup.

Now, playing alongside his Pro Bowl teammate James Farrior, Timmons will have a great chance to showcase his talents in the run defense along with the pass.

Questions, however, still surround Willie Parker, who missed five games for both knee and shoulder injuries last season. His 791 rushing yards was the lowest total in his four seasons with Pittsburgh.  

His backup, Rashard Mendenhall, is competing for some playing time as he is also coming off a shortened season, having injured his shoulder in week four.

Then there is the third running back in the mix in Mewelde Moore, who saw much more playing time in both Parker and Mendenhall's absence. In 16 games, he rushed for 588 yards with five touchdowns. Expect him to once again play a key role in the offense.

The passing game—with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Heath Miller—looks to be one of the better passing attacks in the NFL. There will be pressure on every defense to control the air assault.

Ward just signed a five-year extension, which could mean he will finish his career in the Steel City. He is coming off surgery to repair the knee he injured late last season, but do not expect that to slow him down despite not practicing in some mini-camp drills.  

He will be healthy when preseason starts in August.

In all, there is pressure on the Steelers to have a big season coming off a Super Bowl victory. They are not looking to have a repeat of the 2006 season, where they did not make the playoffs following their win in Super Bowl XL.

To have a repeat of 2008, the Steelers have to do what they do best, and that is play Pittsburgh Steelers football. If they can do that, they have a strong chance to head back to the Super Bowl.