2009 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Season Predictions

[mesaSteeler]

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Season Predictions
http://www.betfirms.com/2009-pittsbu...n-predictions/
Written June 15, 2009 by Jason Lowry

Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 PredictionsThe Pittsburgh Steelers became the first franchise to win six Super Bowls with their impressive run to a championship season last year. The Steelers have no won the Super Bowl two times in the last four years, and there are many that think this team can repeat in 2009.

The Steelers finished the regular season at 12-4, but really excelled when it mattered, including an incredible comeback in the Super Bowl against the Arizona Cardinals in the final seconds of the game. It won’t be easy repeating as Super Bowl Champions, especially in the very deep AFC, but this team returns pretty much everyone from their championship run.

The Steelers did lose some talent from their championship team, as nearly every champion does. The team lost starting their starting left corner in Bryant McFadden, linebacker Larry Foote, and former starting left tackle Marvel Smith. As far as additions are concerned, the Steelers really didn’t do much via free agency to make this team better. They added wide receiver Shaun McDonald to possibly see some action as the No.3 or No.4 receiver, and corner Keiwan Ratliff to add some depth to the secondary and possibly be used as a return specialist.

Little free agency action should not be a worry if you are a Steelers fan, as this team is one of the best franchises in the game at building their team from the draft. The Steelers used their first round selection in this year’s draft, on Missouri defensive lineman Ziggy Hood. With the defense pretty well set from last year, don’t expect to see Hood in the starting lineup till 2010. The Steelers also added some depth to the offensive line in 3rd round selection Kraig Urbik. The Steelers also added depth to the secondary in the 3rd round with the selection of cornerback Keenan Lewis, who could end being the team’s No.3 corner.

The Steelers offense wasn’t exactly pretty in 2009, as the run heavy offense actually struggled on the ground. Thanks to injuries to starting running back Willie Parker and rookie Rashard Mendenhall the Steelers posted just the 23rd best rushing attack in 2008. Parker missed five games with multiple injuries and Mendenhall played played in only four games after suffering a broken shoulder early in the season.

Because of the injuries the team found a valuable option in spot duty in Mewelde Moore, who also looks like a great option as the team’s 3rd down back. With a healthy Parker and Mendenhall ready for the upcoming season, I think its pretty safe to say the Steelers run game will be much improved in 2009. Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now has more Super Bowl wins (2) than Pro Bowls (1), but I don’t think you will hear to many complaints about the job this guy does on the field.

Roethlisberger is not going to set records in the passing game like he did in college, but his ability to manage games and put wins on the board, make him an elite quarterback in this league. The Steelers have two solid options at receiver in Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, but they are really hoping that second year man Limas Sweed can become a bigger threat in the passing game this season.

The Steelers also have a pretty solid tight end in Heath Miller, who can not only make the tough catch in the redzone, but is an excellent blocker as well. If there is a concern with the offense in 2009, it comes up front on the offensive line.

Roethlisberger was sacked 46 times in 2008, and that number needs to go down if this team wants a solid chance at repeating as champions. All five starters return for the upcoming season, and there is some promise for this group, as four of the five starters were in just their first season as starters at the positions they played in 2008.

The Steelers will win games on the defensive side of things, and this team has one of the best front sevens you will find in the NFL. The veteran Casey Hampton remains a force at defensive tackle in the 3-4 system, and both ends Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith are solid at creating lanes for the outstanding linebacking group this team has. Outside linebacker James Harrison was the 2008 defensive player of the year, but I don’t think enough can be said at how this group played as a whole last season.

Joining Harrison on the outside is possible future Pro Bowler LaMarr Woodley and it doesn’t get much worse on the inside with the duo of James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons. The secondary was pretty solid in 2008, regardless of how good the front seven played. After a disappointing 2007 season Troy Polamalu returned to the Pro Bowl form that makes him one of top 3 safeties in the game.

Joining Polamalu at safety will be Ryan Clark, who is coming off a career year in 2008. At corner the team will miss the play Bryant McFadden, as they now are forced to throw William Gay in the opposite starting corner spot opposite of Ike Taylor. Overall this unit looks like it is going to be as good as it gets in 2009, but they must stay healthy if they want to have another magical season.

My Prediction: 1st in AFC North (13-3) I think the Steelers have a pretty easy schedule for a team that is coming off a Super Bowl victory, and I think that leads to another outstanding regular season and AFC North title, but I don’t think the Super Bowl is in the makings for the Steelers this season.

[lilyoder6]

Roethlisberger is not going to set records in the passing game like he did in college, but his ability to manage games and put wins on the board, make him an elite quarterback in this league.

yes... b/c on that last drive in the SB.. to win the game.. all i saw ben do.. was manage the game

[Galax Steeler]

Nice read thanks for sharing. The article says 13-3 but no superbowl for the Steelers. If we have a record like that then we should be a contender for the superbowl. I know a team can get beat at anytime but it sounds good to me.

[Dino 6 Rings]

Seven is Heaven

that's my prediction

starting 1-0 with a win over the Titans

[revefsreleets]

I think 12-4. I don't see us repeating, simply because it's SO difficult to do, and I think we'll have a couple key injuries that make all the difference.

But as I'm so fond of telling all my Browns backing friends, it's no biggie if we don't win the Super Bowl this year, we'll be back in a year or two...

[Give It To Abercrombie]

Best single line in the article.....

"Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now has more Super Bowl wins (2) than Pro Bowls (1)"

....and I am very okay with that.


12-4, win the division, collision course with New England in the playoffs.

[SCSTILLER]

Originally Posted by Give It To Abercrombie

12-4, win the division, collision course with New England in the playoffs.

i want to win the Super Bowl while beating the Patsies in the playoffs. That would quiet alot of crap I hear about Pittsburgh!

[HAWK]

With the schedule we have this year, I can see us going undefeated.

[Psyychoward86]

Originally Posted by lilyoder6

Roethlisberger is not going to set records in the passing game like he did in college, but his ability to manage games and put wins on the board, make him an elite quarterback in this league.

yes... b/c on that last drive in the SB.. to win the game.. all i saw ben do.. was manage the game

Almost thought someone wouldnt point it out....

[scsteeler]

I really see this team repeating because I think they still have that sense of repeating what the team of the 70's did. Hines and a lot of other guys still feel as if they have something to prove and that is a good thing. Ben will want to show that when asked what QB you want leading your team the name Roethlisberger will be mentioned and not Brady or Manning.

I will say it here and all through the season I expect them to repeat this upcoming year. This team may only lose 2 game this year unless the injury bug sets in.

I say 7 in 09.