Steelers: A Dynasty In The Making

The Steel city is accustomed to victory, anchoring its success on the legendary Steeler Dynasty of the 1970s. The current Pittsburgh Steelers return to NFL play this year as 6 time Super Bowl champions- 2 times within the past four seasons. Behold, the legacy of Pittsburgh is destined to continue. Behind the brilliance of Tomlin and company, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the talent and heart to rise as the true dynasty of the new millenium, finally living up to their storied past. They are young enough, smart enough, and bold enough- lacking neither skill nor leadership.

In terms of leadership, look no further than Iron Man Big Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben, is becoming one of the NFL's elite QBs.  He is a competitor, an innovator, and a true warrior, whose brass and bold tactis remind fans everywhere what Steelers football is about- guts and glory. He has been bruised and beaten, suffering 192 sacks over the past 5 seasons.

Yet, he has not once publicly denounced the petty play of his often injury heavy O-line. On the contrary, he constantly speaks on their behalf, celebrating the team element of the game. His presence in the huddle adds needed vigor, motivating Pittsburgh players and fans alike. Ben is truly a man of Steel, a modern day Bradshaw.

In the air, Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes is quickly becoming a force to reckon with. Holmes jolts from the line, giving a hundred percent each and every down. His development, as well as the progress of Limas Sweed, will perhaps alleviate the damage of Nate Washington's departure (which is a lot less serious than many seem to think; let us remember Nate dropped quite a few passes last season).

Further, keep an eye out for Martin Nance, Ben's former Miami of Ohio WR, who is likely looking to not only make the active roster, but hopefully add some needed size to the WR core.

Also, let's not forget the proven Hines Ward, arguably the best blocking WR of the modern era. Ward is the epitome of a team player, who time and time again meets and exceeds the expectations of his coaches, teammates and fans. Ward makes the money catches, the key blocks, and adds valuable age and experience to a young WR core.

Helping Ward with down-field blocking is the ever popular Heath Miller. Miller is a solid blocker and a consistent target for Big Ben, whose presecence in the redzone is of exponential importance to the future sucess of Pittsburgh's passing game. 

Steeler fans have a lot to look forward to, as this year the team likely will revive their strong ground game. 

On the ground, Mendenhall will return to the lineup, diversifying Pittsburgh's ground attack. Though, for Mendenhall's force to be a serious factor, he needs to hold onto the ball- a problem plaguing his last preseason play.

Still, the main man for the ground attack remains Fast Willie Parker, who looks to rebound from staggering numbers and reestablish the Steelers once strong run game. Fast Willie, is no stranger to the weight room, known for his intense workouts and uncomparable discipline. He is a bad ass mammajamma that surely will not stand agape on the sideline. Parker will compete, improving upon his past play.

On the other hand, we have the Defense, a true Steel city favorite- delighting fans for ages with bone breaking hits and bad mouthing banter. This year Steeler fans, simply exspect more of the same.

Pittsburgh's defense led by Defensive MVP James Harrison, will in my opinion undoubtedly be as fierce and driven to repeat and improve upon their impressive 08' performance. Seriously folks, Harrison's a mad man, who consistently rallies his teammates to be true grid iron warriors, playing with not only intractable brute but superior football intellect. Harrison has the swagger and skill, surely on his way to Canton.

Despite Harrison's vigor, in light of veteran LB Larry Foote's departure, some Steeler fans question the state of the Pittburgh LB core, in particular the ability of 3rd year LB Lawrence Timmons. However, Timmons, under the guidance of veteran players and the ever wise Dick Le Beau, has the potential to progress and develop into a serious defensive threat. Moreover, the Steelers secondary led by SS Troy Polamulu, looks to improve on their sucessful 08' campaign.

As talented as Pittsburgh is on paper, they astonishingly exceed expectations in play, driven by their unique team chemistry and shared sense of determination and passion. They mirror the dynasties of past. They have loads of leaders, skilled coordinators & coaches, and a strong and thriving fan base. 

Simply stated, the Steelers have a great opportunity. They can build upon past success and further dignify the storied Steeler franchise. In my humble opinion, Pittsburgh will take advantage of their weak schedule and repeat as World Champions. In doing so, they will surely remind Pittsburgh fans everywhere what Steelers football is all about: guts, glory, and Super Bowl rings.