2/15/09
TEAM ASSESSMENT
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers started off strong with a 5-2 start but after that they totally fell off the radar only winning 1 game after that start and finishing the season at 6-10. All the Steeler players were disappointed after a season that started out well but faltered at the end. They have a nice core of players on both sides of the ball and here is an assessment at different positions. This will tell you the strong points of the organization and some positions that they can improve on during the offseason and maybe acquire a player or two via trades.
QUARTERBACKS - A-: Ben Roethlisberger is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He had some great games and helped keep the team together even though it was a very tough season. Ben finished 7th in the league in passer rating and did not cost the team many games. He is simply one of the best and is definitely the quarterback for this franchise and will not be going anywhere anytime soon.
RUNNING BACKS - B: Willie Parker started out the year as the starting running back for the Steelers but that later changed as GM PatFan traded away Willie to the St. Louis Rams and acquired Joseph Addai. Joseph Addai did a very nice job filling in as the starting running back for the little time he was with the Steelers. He should be a top running back next year after he has a full offseason with the team and getting to know the system a little bit better.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS - C+: This was a weak point for the Steelers this year considering they had acquired Chris Chambers to help along side Hines Ward. Neither was a top reciever in the NFL and there was no depth behind them. Nate Washington was a decent #3 reciever but they could really upgrade at wide receiver. The Steelers have a decision whether or not to resign Chambers and Ward but it looks like they'll resign Ward and let Chambers hit the FA market but that is still undecided. Heath Miller was great at TE and helped out the team a lot. Again there is no depth behind Miller as Jerramy Stevens and Matt Spaeth are not the greatest and a solid #2 tight end will need to be added via FA or the draft.
OFFENSIVE LINE - A: The offensive line was a very strong point for the Steelers. They had two offensive linemen finish in the top 10 in pancakes. Kendall Simmons finished 4th in the league with 68 and Justin Hartwig finished 7th with 64. Plus they had 3 pro bowlers among the O-line in Justin Hartwig, Kendall Simmons and Marvel Smith. Marvel will probably be re-signed and stay at his LT position. They could use some depth on the O-line but its really a strong point on this team.
DEFENSIVE LINE - C+: This position was very average. You didn't hear much of the Steelers defensive line at all during the entire season. They have solid players in Aaron Smith, Dwan Edwards (acquired from Baltimore) and Casey Hampton at the nose tackle position. There are rumors going around that Hampton may be traded to save some room and acquire some draft picks to help out at other positions of need. Chris Hoke could start and is a very solid tackle but look for the Steelers to get a NT via FA or maybe even the draft.
LINEBACKERS - A-: The linebacking corp did a very nice job the past season as James Farrior and James Harrison had very good seasons. They both are among the top linebackers in the NFL and should continue to produce at a high level. James Farrior should be re-signed during the offseason otherwise it would be a big mistake and leave a gapping hole in that unit. Al Wilson was acquired later in the season and did a very nice job and made it to the pro bowl. The Steelers are trying to add some strong linebackers to this corp and make it a bigger strength.
SECONDARY - B+: Ike Taylor was a strong spot in this secondary. He held down the fort with fellow teammate Troy Polamalu. Opponents fear them and sometimes have to change their gameplan to avoid them. Deshea Townsend was a decent #2 CB but after that they have no depth. The Steelers really need upgrades from the #3 CB on. Also, they acquired FS OJ Atogwe and while he joined later in the season he did a nice job. He will benefit from being with the team during the full offseason and should be a solid FS on the Steelers.
SPECIAL TEAMS - B: Jeff Reed was a solid kicker and you really couldn't ask for anything more from him. Daniel Sepulveda was a decent punter but the Steelers are also looking to upgrade at this position. Daniel may be around next year to finish out his contract but again that has yet to be decided.
This will be an interesting offseason for the Steelers and will see some new faces on this team but there will still be some vets that will help calm this team down and make a strong push next year and make the playoffs. If you look at the Steelers schedule they most of their losses were 10 points or less so some veteren leadership and some new players can hopefully turn those close losses into wins.
