NFL 2007: 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 2007 season. Today we look at the Pittsburgh Steelers).

For a franchise that doesn't like change there sure was a lot of it going around in the offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers have been owned by the Rooney's since the franchise began and if you're a head coach in Pittsburgh, you tend to stay a long time as well. Since 1969 when Chuck Noll took over, the Steelers have had only one other coach, Bill Cowher. That is until now. The 'Jaw' got tired of Dan Rooney's frugal ways and decided to resign, spend time with his family and wait for a big, fat contract with a new team next year. Enter Mike Tomlin. Not only is he the first African-American coach in Pittsburgh history, he just may scrap the beloved Steeler 3-4 for the 4-3. Change has come to Steeler Land and no one knows what will happen next.

Offense: Big Ben took a step down in 2006 and some feel the motorcycle accident that almost killed him was the cause of it. Whatever the reason, Roethlisberger threw 23 interceptions to only 18 touchdowns and looked antsy and nervous in the pocket. He must rebound this season or the Steelers will be in deep trouble. Pittsburgh has capable reserves in Charlie Batch and Brian St. Pierre.

Willie Parker (337-1,494-13) had a solid season, but wore down near the end and wasn't nearly as effective as he was earlier on. To that end, Tomlin brought in Kevan Barlow from the Jets, and along with Najeh Davenport, will lighten Parker's load. Dan Kreider is a solid blocking fullback.

Roethlisberger's struggles carried over to his receivers. After veteran All-Pro Hines Ward (74-975-6) there wasn't much to look at. Santonio Holmes (49-824-2) figures to be the number two with Cedric Wilson in the slot and Nate Washington the number three. Willie Reid has looked good in camp and could make an impact in 2007. Rookie Dallas Baker and free agent Rasheed Marshall will compete for time. Heath Miller and Jerame Tuman are a nice 1-2 tight end combo.

All-Pro center Jeff Hartings called it a career and now Chukky Okobi and Tampa Bay free agent Sean Mahan will compete for the job. Unhappy All-Pro guard Alan Faneca decided not to hold out and will play what could be his final season in Pittsburgh. Kendall Simmons is back at guard, while Max Starks and Marvel Smith return at tackle. T Willie Colon, G Chris Kemoeatu and T Trai Essex provide depth.

Defense: Pittsburgh will still use the 3-4 as its base defense, but Tomlin is a 4-3 man and look for the switch to happen gradually this season.

Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel start at defensive end with Casey Hampton holding down the nose. Chris Hoke, Nick Eason, Travis Kirschke and rookie Ryan McBean will be part of the defensive line rotation.

Joey Porter went off to Miami, but the linebackers are still the strength of the defense. James Farrior (126 tackles, 4 sacks) and Larry Foote (90 tackles, 4 sacks) control the middle. Clark Haggans (76 tackles, 6 sacks) is at one outside spot, while promising James Harrison takes over for Porter. Clint Kriewaldt, Rian Wallace and rookies LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons will see plenty of action.

The secondary is paced by strong safety Troy Polamalu (76 tackles, 3 INT) and his new rich contract. Ryan Clark is the free safety with Anthony Smith and Tyrone Carter capable backups. Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend start at corner with Bryant McFadden, Ricardo Colclough and rookie William Gay battling for field time.

Special Teams: Jeff Reed (20-of-27 FG, 101 points) returns at kicker and is solid. The punting chores will come down to rookie Daniel Sepulveda or Mike Barr, so the unknown factor is definitely in play. Holmes returns kicks and Reid or Holmes will handle punt returns.

Outlook: The Steelers need Big Ben to bounce back in a big way and a receiver not named Ward to step up if they want to compete in the AFC North. The Ravens and Bengals have better overall talent and veteran coaches at the helm. That could spell trouble with a capital T for Tomlin and crew. Pittsburgh's frugal ways caused Cowher to leave and Faneca could be next. Two big losses for sure. The Steelers still have talent, heck they won a Super Bowl two years ago, but that talent is starting to age and 'Father Time' is against them.

Outlook: Cowher was an icon in Pittsburgh and his presence will be missed. The Steelers are still looking for a leader after Jerome Bettis retired and haven't found it yet. Baltimore and Cincinnati are better from top to bottom, but if Roethlisberger bounces back from the disaster of 2006, the Steelers could and should battle for a playoff spot. Record: 9-7.