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Despite getting out the gate quickly at 6-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to reach the playoffs, just one season removed from winning a record sixth Super Bowl title. While the injury bug certainly played a role in the Steelers' second half collapse, it was the third straight time they have missed the playoffs following a Super Bowl victory.
A healthy Troy Polamalu will go a long way toward restoring the defense to its 2008 form when it led the league, but the offense could struggle early. Without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for up to six games, as he serves a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, the offense may be forced to take a more conservative approach.
Offense: With Big Ben slinging the pigskin, the Steelers averaged 23.0 points per game in 2009 (No. 12 in the NFL). Roethlisberger was sensational, throwing for 4,328 yards and 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, despite mediocre protection.
While Roethlisberger serves his suspension, the Steelers will turn to Bryron Leftwich, Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon to lead the offense. All three of these quarterbacks have had shining moments, but the Steelers will certainly miss their fearless leader on the field.
They will also miss Super Bowl XLIII hero Santonio Holmes, who is now with the New York Jets. His 1,248 receiving yards last season will be hard to replace.
If the defense returns to form, and there's a good chance it will, don't be surprised if Mike Tomlin elects to grind games out with Rashard Mendenhall until Roethlisberger is able to return. Mendenhall is coming off a strong 1,108-yard, seven-touchdown season on the ground.
The addition of Maurkice Pouncey gives the offensive line a much-needed boost.
Defense: Dick LeBeau's defense was the cock of the walk in 2008, but an injury to Polamalu made his unit look human in 2009. The Steelers' remained stiff against the run, allowing only 89.9 yards per game (No. 3 in the NFL), but they were susceptible through the air. Pittsburgh allowed 215.4 passing yards per game (No. 16 in the NFL), which was a big reason why it couldn't get off the field on third down. In fact, the Steelers ranked No. 28 in the league in third down efficiency, allowing a 42.3 percent conversion rate.
A healthy Polamalu instantly makes the Steelers a top notch defensive unit. The league's No. 1 safety (in my opinion) is an absolute animal. He's a fearless tackler with great instincts and great hands.
On the outsides, James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley will continue to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Woodley and Harrison combined for 23.5 sacks in 2009.
The secondary was the Steelers' biggest weakness last season. It will instantly improve with Polamalu in the starting lineup, but it also needs better play at the cornerback position opposite Ike Taylor. That will be up to Bryant McFadden, Willie Gay, Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis, who are all competing for the starting job.
Prediction: 3rd AFC North - If the injury bug can be avoided, Pittsburgh will reemerge as one of the premier defensive teams in the NFL. Still, that might not be enough to get back to the playoffs considering Roethlisberger's suspension. He is out for at least the first four games, and the Steelers play three playoff contenders in that stretch. And when he does come back, it will take him a game or two to settle in no matter how many snaps he gets in practice. It's going to be a tight race with Baltimore and Cincinnati, and Roethlisberger's suspension puts the Steelers at a disadvantage. Be sure to check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which team I have winning the AFC North division.
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