I want to party with Big Ben and Kyle Orton. Those guys could probably drink Moose the Carpet Bagger under the table. Yet unlike Orton and the Moose, Ben Rapistberger would never be able to pull tail like this consensually. Aside from Tiger Woods and Lebron James, I don't think any other athlete has tarnished his image so bad in the past year. A guy, once loved for his gusty performances on the field, is now hated and ridiculed all over the country (including the 'Burgh) for his repulsive behavior off the field. Not only were the Steelers faced with Big Ben's non-consensual escapades, but they also had to deal with the Santonio Holmes' legal troubles. This led to the historic franchise trading the electric receiver to the Jets for basically nothing in an attempt to salvage their reputation. Now the Steelers are left to play 4-6 games without Ben Roethlisberger as well as without a true no. 1 receiver. The man the Steel City is counting on to carry the offense is running back Rashard Mendenhall, definitely capable of doing so. To help him the Steelers have the versatile Mewelde Moore and drafted Jonathon Dwyer. Unfortunately the 3 headed rushing attack will face major problems considering the state of the offensive line. Even though they drafted Florida center Maurkice Pouncy with the 18th overall pick, the rest of the line seems to be in shambles as the Lions' defensive line had significant penetration (do I even need to make a Big Ben joke here?) in the preseason opener. Although coach Mike Tomlin claims that they team wants to get back to "Steeler Football," they will need to utilize the passing attack to draw pressure away from the run game. Throughout camp it seemed as if Byron Leftwich would be under center until Ben gets back, but after a poor showing against the Lions, Dennis Dixon may get a shot. Dixon led the team (with his arm and feet) to three scoring drives against mostly 2nd stringers. It should be interesting to see if he'll get a chance with the first team Saturday against the Giants. Whoever steps in at QB will have steady tight end Heath Miller as a check down option, and a cast of receivers vying for playing time. The unit includes Antwan Randle El (a familiar face), Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, newcomer Arnez Battle, and rookie speedster Emmanuel Sanders.
While the offense seems to be in rebuilding mode with all the new faces, the defense will start 7 players over the age of 30. There has been much talk of whether the aging defense will be able to handle the AFC North, but if I were a Steelers fan I wouldn't worry about the older players. I would be focused on the play of the corners. Once superstar safety Troy Polamalu went down with an injury, the corners lost their safety blanket and were routinely torched as the Steelers missed the playoffs just a year after winning the Superbowl. Second year corners Kennan Lewis and Joe Burnett will be counted on to help Ike Taylor. Most teams will come out looking to pass this season due to the front 7 being solid as usual. It will be up to linebackers Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see if a defense that looks very similiar to last year's unit will be able to improve on a season in which they lost 5 games while leading in the 4th quarter.
Can the Steelers improve on a 9-7 season and make the playoffs? Can Big Ben have enough self control to not go out on Saturday nights raping chicks since he can't play on Sundays for a couple months? I'm going to say no to the former question and no comment to the latter.
I want that shirt.
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