2009 Schedule Outlook

Sorry guys I have the itch.  I know it is way too early.

We all know that the Steelers will face a pretty soft schedule in '09, let us see how soft.

Home - Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Oakland, San Diego, Tennessee, Green Bay, Minnesota

Away - Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Chicago, Detroit

I honestly see a 14-2, 13-3 season with this group of teams.  We are fairly young on both sides...the core will still be there in '09.

The Steelers will play 8 games against teams drafting in the top 9, 10 games against teams drafting in the top 16.

Of course, we can't really project without an actual schedule (bye weeks, short weeks, Thursday games).  But of the away games Baltimore by far is the toughest opponent.  Four of the away opponents will have new head coaches.  10 of the Steelers' games will be against teams in the bottom half of the NFL in points allowed/game.

Team - Rank (points allowed/game)

DET - 32, DEN - 30, KC -29, OAK - 24, GB -23, CIN - 19, CHI - 17, CLE -16

And for those who want to get the running game going.

The Steelers face 6 of the 7 worst rush defenses: Detroit, Oakland, Kansas City, Cleveland (2), Denver, and Green Bay.  5 of those games happen to be on the road.  Additionally the Steelers will play 5 road games against teams with the 30th, 28th, 27th, 26th, and 25th pass defenses.

Can teams correct there defensive flaws in an offseason? Sure.  But not all of these teams have the personnel to drastically change the defensive culture.

All together the Steelers have the 29th strength of schedule, as opposed to the #1 this past season.

Here is a link to the SOS.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcnorth/0-2-47/AFC-North-strength-of-schedule.html

Also the Steelers will more than likely fill their 5 primetime games.  Which ones would you like to see in primetime?

These are mine:

Home - Pittsburgh usually plays either Cleveland or Cincinnati (or both this year).  I will take Cincy as one of my home night games.  San Diego or Tennessee (but not both) and neither team on opening night.  And Minnesota or Green Bay on opening night.

Away - The Steelers have played the last couple MNF against the Ravens at home...that changes in '09.  Denver or Miami...I would like to see Broncos (last two night games against MIA have been stinkers).

Recap of prime time choices.

Home - Cincinnati, Tennessee, Green Bay

Away - Baltimore, Denver