The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Steelers 2009 Offseason

As amazing as it is winning the Super Bowl, the next day the offseason starts.  Everything that happens prior to that means nothing for the next season.

It is no different for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 offseason.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good

Pittsburgh returns 20 of the 22 starters.

Bryant McFadden departs to join the Super Bowl loser Arizona Cardinals, Larry Foote has left to join his home town Detroit Lions.

In the case of Larry Foote, the team may actually be improved by his leaving, making way for Lawrence Timmons, the 2007 first round draft pick.

William Gay will probably get the call to replace McFadden.  During a four week injury to McFadden, Gay stepped in nicely replacing him.  Even after McFadden returned from the injury, Gay still alternated series with him, even in the Super Bowl.

Hines Ward re-signed.

OK, Ward is not a spring chicken anymore.  He is still the emotional leader of this team.  Not only is he sure to catch the ball every time, but every player on the opposing teams D has to be aware of him on every play.

Ward plays with the passion that every player should play with.  If there is anyone that has earned the right to retire a Steeler, it is Ward.

The Bad

Contract years!

Because Pittsburgh is returning so many starters this year, there is a down fall as well.  There is a laundry list of players that are entering the last year of their contract.  Casey Hampton, Max Starks, Fast Willie Parker, Heath Miller, Ryan Clark, and Jeff Reid to name a few.

It is the Steelers policy to not negotiate with players once the season starts, so unless negotiations with these players start soon, many of them will be gone at the end of the season.

Dan Rooney gets a job.

There is no doubt in my mind that Art Rooney II, will be able to handle the team in the exact way it was with the generations before him.  I think it is something in their blood.

But anytime someone like Dan Rooney leaves your team, it is a sad day.

Rooney has been appointed as the Ambassador to Ireland by President Obama.  Without question this is a terrific opportunity, and in no way bad for him.

But it is bad for Steeler Nation to be losing someone they love.  Mr. Rooney, you will be missed!

The Ugly

James Harrison skipping the White House ceremony.

The is America.  If James Harrison does not want to go to meet the President, he has every right as an American to not go.

But James, come on.  You have to give a better excuse than they didn't invite you last year.

There is a common stance you need to take when you are asked a question you are not comfortable answering.  The sooner you learn it, the better off you will be.

"No comment."