NFL 2006: Pittsburgh Steelers

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Pittsburgh Steelers.)

Last season was a dream one for Bill Cowher, the Pittsburgh Steelers and all the fans in the Steel City. Because in 2005, the Steelers finally did win one for the thumb.

Led by a second year quarterback, the Steelers became the first team to win three playoff games on the road and the first sixth-seeded, wild card team to capture a Super Bowl. It was the fifth Super Bowl championship in team history, placing Pittsburgh in a tie with Dallas and San Francisco.

But that's the recent past. Now a new season is dawning and the question on the minds of football fans everywhere is, can the Steelers repeat in 2006?

Offense: Of course the big concern is with Ben Roethlisberger and how he recovers from a June motorcycle accident that broke his jaw and caused numerous facial injuries.

He won't be available for training camp and he'll probably miss the beginning of the regular season. Will his timing, conditioning and strength be seriously lacking when he's finally ready to go? The answer to that question will determine how well Pittsburgh fares in 2006.

After taking the team to the championship game in 2005, Roethlisberger did one better last year, becoming only the second player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in his second year (the other was Kurt Warner for the Rams in 1999). The key to his success is he plays within offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt's scheme and makes few mistakes. If he can't go to begin the season, veteran Charlie Batch will start.

The running game is solid but 'The Bus' will be missed. Jerome Bettis retired after 13 seasons and will take his 13,662 yards and 94 touchdowns into Canton very soon. His leadership and motivational skills were a big part of Pittsburgh's success. Undrafted free agent Willie Parker shocked everyone last season by winning the job in training camp and rushing for 1,202 yards and four scores. Duce Staley and Verron Haynes are capable backups. Dan Kreider is a blistering blocker at fullback.

Hines Ward (69-975-11) returns after another solid season but Antwaan Randle-El left via free agency and that created a big void for the Steelers to fill. Not only was he a solid number two receiver, but he was deadly on special teams as well. Cedrick Wilson (26-487), Quincy Morgan and top draft pick Santonio Holmes, (if he can stay out of trouble), will battle for the number two slot. No matter who wins the job, Ward better be ready for a lot of double teams this season.

Heath Miller had an excellent rookie year at tight end, grabbing 39 receptions for 459 yards and six touchdowns. He's a real weapon and will only get better with more experience. Jerame Tuman is a capable backup.

The starting line is one of the best in football and returns all five starters for 2006. Center Jeff Hartings and guard Alan Faneca, both All-Pro performers, anchor the offensive line. Guard Kendall Simmons and tackles Marvel Smith and Max Starks make up the rest of the starting unit. Barrett Brooks, Trai Essex and Chris Kemoeatu are solid reserves.

Defense: The real strength of the Pittsburgh Steelers is on the defensive side and that should be the case once again. Nine starters return from a unit that gave up only 16 points per game and finished fourth in the NFL in total defense.

Casey Hampton mans the nose and is a run stuffing disturbance at nose tackle. Aaron Smith is at one defensive end spot, while Travis Kirschke replaces departed Kimo Von Oelhoffen at the other end position. Rookie Orien Harris, Brett Keisel, Chris Hoke and Rodney Bailey will see time as well.

The Steelers have arguably the best linebackers in the NFL and they'll be counted on once again to lead the defense. All-Pro Joey Porter (57 tackles, 11 sacks) and Clark Haggans (61 tackles, nine sacks) are a force on the outside, while James Farrior (121 tackles) and Larry Foote (101 tackles) are just as disruptive on the inside. James Harrison, Clint Kriewaldt and Rian Wallace provide depth.

When you speak of the Pittsburgh secondary one name leaps out. That name is Troy Polamalu. The hard-hitting, long-haired bruiser is very quickly becoming the most dominant safety in the league. He's a Ronnie Lot type with a motor that never quits. Free agent Ryan Clark (57 tackles, three picks) moves into the free safety spot. Mike Logan, Tyrone Carter and rookie Anthony Smith will also see action.

Chris Hope took his 97 tackles and three interceptions to the Tennessee Titans, but the Steelers still have Ike Taylor (84 tackles), Deshea Townsend, Bryant McFadden and Ricardo Colclough at cornerback. Taylor and Townsend are the most likely starters.

Special Teams: The Steelers special teams took a blow with Randle-El leaving, but one area that's strong is the kicking game. Jeff Reed (117 points, 24-29 field goals and 37-37 extra points) and Chris Gardocki (41.8 average) both return. Morgan (25.3) and Colclough (21.5) are the kick returners and Taylor is the likely candidate to step in for Randle-El.

Outlook: It all depends on Ben Roethlisberger's health and recovery time. If he comes back at full strength without any ill effects, the Steelers have all the pieces in place for another Super Bowl run. A solid running game, a powerful offensive line and a great defense are the cornerstones of championship teams and Pittsburgh has all three of those facets in spades. This team is not as good as last years though. Bettis, Randle-El, Von Oelhoffen and Hope are big losses, but the Steelers have the experience, talent and coaching staff to overcome the losses.

Prediction: A healthy Roethlisberger means the Steelers will challenge for the AFC crown and the Super Bowl. Look for them to go deep in the playoffs. Pittsburgh will go 11-5 or 12-4, if and only if, Big Ben can bounce back to form.

Check out the most complete guide to coaching youth football ever created!