What is the flux-capacitor coming up with for the Steelers next year, Doc?First, a bit of business: Head HERE to vote for DC Steeler Nation in the "Best Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament."
Now, we'll pick up where we left off the other day (Part 1), taking a brief look at The Steelers' scheduled opponents next season. Again, Free Agency, injuries, The Draft, time of year and phase of the moon can end up serving as significant factors in the outcome of said games, so nothing but a "snapshot" approach is called for: One question and a few comments.
Patriots:
"Are reports of the Patriots' demise greatly FACKIN exaggerated?"
-With Miami and The Jets on the rise (not to mention Wes Welker unlikely to be back from injury in time for the beginning of the season), I'm betting we'll be facing a less cocksure Pats. Some lesser offensive cogs like Watson and Faulk are iffy to return, but the O-line is another big question mark with as many as four guys not coming back. On the defensive side, Vince Wilfork has to be their top priority, but others like Jarvis Green, Derrick Burgess and Leigh Bodden are less sure to be back. It'll be interesting to see how New England's draft strategy plays out. Also, Tedy Bruschi is a corpse.
Raiders:
"How can we enact some revenge at Heinz after Gradkowski ripped out our hearts"
-Oakland is a mess. As always. But their defense is young and good, especially their secondary, and they aren't really losing anyone there. It's depressing just to think we have to worry about a game at home with these guys, but clearly that's the case. We'll need to test whoever is under center and exploit their lack of offensive skill.
Ravens:
"I goddamn hate the Ravens. Shit. I really hate them. You know?"
-I do not fear Joe Flacco. In fact, I cannot remember ever truly being concerned about a Ravens passing game. But, Ray Rice scares the shit out of me. But when you combine a defense that is returning nearly everyone (Fabian Washington and one other corner are restricted) with one of the best work-horse backs in the NFL, you have a mix that will keep me up at night.
Saints:
"How great is this game going to be? It's gotta be the Thursday Night Season-Opener, right?"
-As the defending World Champs, The Saints' schedule really only leaves The Steelers or The Vikings as possible opponents for the NFL's kickoff game. I'm guessing we'll be the pick, since Lord Favre may take until the night before to decide he's coming back again. Down to business: Both Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas are restricted, so keep an eye on how big of a role they see either or both playing with Bush if resigned. The O-line is a weak point of this squad as they could drop as many as three starters in the off season. No one ever assessed The Saints' defense as shut-down and they'll be looking to replace both Scott Fujita and Darren Sharper, two of their best on that side of the ball. But they won it all for a reason, The Steelers would be ill-advised to try and out gun this offense, Brees has a quick trigger and can fire to any one of like 73 receivers and backs. We're going to get a real good test early on in the season.
Titans:
"So, Chris Johnson is better at football than I am at breathing. How do we stop The Titans."
-Another disturbing test for our run defense. With VY in charge their aerial attack isn't too potent, but it doesn't have to be. The Good News? The Titans were horrible against the pass (only Detroit was worse, and barely). I would hope that a later-in-the-season game would neutralize some of Johnson's breakaway speed and give more time for The Titans to have their wheels come off. Seeing as we opened last year with them, maybe that'll be the case.
As you can likely see, The Steelers 2010 season is shaping up to be quite the gauntlet of formidable opponents. An upward-trending division and sub-par 2009 campaign leave many questions lingering among The Nation. Here's hoping we get some encouraging answers throughout the off-season.
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