Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 Reasons Why They Can Return to the Super Bowl in 2011

The Pittsburgh Steelers came pretty close to winning Super Bowl XLV, but fell short to the Green Bay Packers.

So, now they are preparing to get back to the Super Bowl and win rather than gearing up to defend their championship.

The offense has plenty of firepower and the defense still strikes fear into the hearts of opponents.

So, they will still be a force in the AFC North.

Here are four reasons to believe in the Steelers to repeat as AFC Champions.

4. Same Defense That Got Them There Last Year

Even though this defense has a few holes, they are still one of the best units in the NFL.

They didn't lose anyone too important from last season, so they should still be a force this year.

Continuity and familiarity is important and the Steelers have plenty of both.

They'll still be a force against the run and should be good enough against the pass to get back to the playoffs in 2011.

3. Rashard Mendenhall Is Ready to Take the Next Step

Mendenhall has improved every year he's been in the NFL.

He was injured early in his rookie campaign, but his next two years have been fantastic.

In 2009, he ran for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns.

Then, in 2010, he topped those numbers by running for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns.

If he improves again this season, the Steelers will be in great shape at running back.

2. Mike Wallace Will Be a Star

Mike Wallace recently predicted a 2,000-yard season for himself.

I don't think he'll get there, but he is going to have an outstanding year.

He had 1,257 yards in 2010 to go with 10 touchdowns.

I wouldn't be surprised if he put up 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2011.

He's fast enough to burn any defender charged with the unpleasant task of covering him.

1. 16 Games of Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first four games of 2010.

The Steelers went 3-1 in those games, but they weren't the same without him.

He'll be playing the whole season in 2011 (as far as we know), so the Steelers should be sharp on offense all year.

Then, once the playoffs hit, we know how clutch Big Ben can be.

He's won one Super Bowl on the last drive for the Steelers and has the potential to make amends for the 2010 Super Bowl this season.