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2008 Steelers Preview

Reasons to be excited about 2008 Steelers   1.  Rashard Mendenhall should make a solid addition and make the o-line look better, as well as make Willie more effective because of a lighened workload. 2.  Marvel Smith being healthy - after back surgery he can return to his 2005 Pro Bowl form. 3.  Willie Colon has another year of experience and the battle between him and Max Starks should bear fruit. 4.  Hartwig should provide a massive improvement at center over the unbelievably shitty Sean Mahan. 5.  Limas Sweed as the #3 reciever adds both depth and a new dimension to the Steelers passing game, this also allows Nate Washington to be a very solid #4 vs. a mediocre #3. 6.  In the Steelers version of a 3-4 rookie linebackers take a year to learn and don't get to play much.  With Lawrence Timmons and Lamar Woodly entering their second year it should not only improve the linebacking corps significantly but be almost like having two draft classes come at once. 7.  Mewelde Moore should be a nice third down option but probably more importantly a huge improvement over the "past his prime" Allen Rossum. 8.  Troy Polamalu's new "old" workout regimen under Marv Marinovich should keep him healthy and return him to his difference maker status.  Troy made the pro bowl last year on reputation alone. 9.  Historically Ben is just entering what is typically the prime of a quarterback's career. 10.  The loss of Alan Faneca won't be felt as much as some people think.  He was a shell of himself last year and made the Pro Bowl on name only. 11.  A healthy Aaron Smith will make all the difference and he has not historically been injury prone.  Also Casey Hampton should have gotten the "kick in the butt" necessary to get in better shape. 12.  Tomlin is in his second year and should be improved not just in game management but strategic planning.  For example the combination of his "tough camp" and playing in the Hall of Fame game contributed to the Steelers running out of gas and losing 4 of their last 5.   Reasons to be concerned 1.  The Steelers may be playing the toughest schedule in NFL history. 2.  The Cleveland Browns are significantly improved and ready to compete for the division title. 3.  The offensive line, their weak spot last year could be even worse if some younger players don't develop. 4.  The thin and aging defensive line did not add any talent or depth, and this group is the key to or 3-4. 5.  Deshea Townsend is another year older and their is a lack of a proven starter type behind him.

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Sounds like a lot of hope

I agree with most of your assessment, but i think the key particularly is if the dedense can stay healthy. There really isnt much depth. But all in all, we can compete and still win the division. I think the O line will be better some some strange reason if just pride alone with all of the disappointment of our fellow fans thinking they’re just mediocre. We well see.

by C-Mac on Jul 9, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Defensive depth

I think the main area of concern is the DL, which is why I’m really hoping Clement steps up. I think the rest of our positions have good depth, although, of course, there will be a dropoff if a starter goes down.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jul 11, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for chiming in

I love your optimism. I really hope your thoughts on an improving offensive line pan out. That would really trigger everything else.

by maryrose on Jul 9, 2008 11:14 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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