2006 Pittsburgh Steelers Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the obvious favorite to come out of the AFC North. After winning the Super Bowl last season, the Steelers look to keep on their winning ways behind stellar offensive and defensive play. Pittsburgh’s biggest off-season news came when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was involved in a serious accident while riding his motorcycle through the streets of Pittsburgh. While Roethlisberger could have lost his life and was in very serious condition, there were no permanent injuries and Roethlisberger will be ready to start in week one. While Roethlisberger is very valuable to the Steelers, it was their rushing attack that won them the Super Bowl a year ago. Now that Jerome Bettis has retired, it will be up to speedster Willie Parker and veteran Duce Staley to carry the load. This should be no problem for the dynamic duo, as they will be running behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Along with losing Bettis to retirement, the Steelers also lost receiver Antwaan Randle El to free agency. Randle El was heavily relied upon in the passing game as well as the return game. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jerry Porter and safety Troy Polomalu will continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The two are arguably the best in the league at their respective positions, and on any given play have a chance to change a game. If the Steelers can continue to pound opposing defenses and hold on to the football, allowing them to control the clock, there is a very good possibility this team will have a chance to repeat as division champs.

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