When evaluating the 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, too many analysts are blinded by the injury plagued 2006 season (Ben Roethlisberger's concussion; Troy Polamalu's shoulder). Conversely, avid Steelers enthusiasts all too quickly point to the Super Bowl victory won in 2005 (e.g. "That was only two years ago"). In my completely unbiased and subjective view, this year's team is nothing like either of the previous two year's teams...and very much like both of them.
I know, I know, that is a very enigmatic statement. So, allow me to explain.
2005 vs. 2007
Jerome Bettis is retired. As is Jeff Hartings. Joey Porter was
(thankfully) allowed to go elsewhere. As were Antwaan Randle El and
Kimo von Oelhoffen. In other words, five of Pittsburgh's influential
players from Super Bowl XL are no longer on the current roster. But,
before the chicken littles of the world start belly-aching, let us
remember a few facts. Fast Willie Parker has admirably taken over at
running back; third best all-time rushing yards in a season for the
Steelers, is pretty good. Santonio Holmes has added to the offense
something that Randle El never was: a deep threat. James Harrison
(and eventually, LaMarr Woodley) more than make up for the loss of
Joey "the Penalty" Porter. And, while Brett Keisel is still learning
the position, his athleticism makes up for his lack of knowledge.
Leaving the only question mark at center, where Sean Mahan and Chukky
Okobi are currently battling for the starting job (i.e. neither is of
Jeff Harting's caliber).
The heart and soul of the 2005 defense, James Farrior, is older...and slower. At the same time, the addition of Bryant McFadden and Anthony Smith have added depth, youth, and athleticism to Pittsburgh's secondary.
Speaking of Anthony Smith, why is he not starting at free-safety? As I have pointed out over the past year, the kid does nothing but make plays when he is on the field. Furthermore, besides the interceptions and defended passes (which are great), Smith has a knack for colliding with wide receivers...at the the very second that the ball arrives. In fact, not to get ahead of ourselves, but Smith's uncanny ability to dislodge the ball from the ball-carrier reminds me of Rodney Harrison.
Yes, I am officially announcing my "man-crush" on Anthony Smith.
Speaking of man-crushes, write this down: LaMarr Woodley is going to be the defensive rookie of the year! Despite the fact that he may be limited to situational pass-rush duties (i.e. third downs), he will still record twelve sacks this season.
But, I digress. My point is simply that despite the losses of key players from the 2005 team, the Steelers have more than replaced their loss of talent (as they always do) through the draft.
2006 vs. 2007
Big Ben crashes his motorcycle, almost bleeds to death, suffers a
concussion, and tries to remodel a car with his face. Then, during an early season game, Ben sustains another concussion. Simply, Ben never looked the same for the rest of the season.
Fast-forward to this year's pre-season game against the Eagles. I know, I know: it is pre-season. Yet, Jim Johnson's defense is a pretty good measuring stick...even in the "vanilla" pre-season. During that game, Ben threw for 275 yards in the first half. Pre-season or not, all the signs point to one thing: Ben is back.
Furthermore, Ben now has an incredible set of receivers to which he can throw. Santonio will be good for about one touchdown per game this season. Ben's favorite "escape clause" (Heath Miller) is playing even better than he did as a rookie...when he had nine touchdowns. Nate Washington has struggled this pre-season, but he always shows up in the regular and post-seasons. And, Ward is Ward. In other words, the secondary can not double-cover everyone....almost assuring that at least one receiver will get open on every single play.
Speaking of secondaries, Troy Polamalu made tackles one-armed last year. He never admitted how badly he was injured, but anyone with one good eye could have told you that there was something amiss with Troy. And, when you take away the best player on your defense, your team is bound to suffer...and the Steelers did just that. But, like Ben, Troy is now once again healthy...and back to his 2005 form.
Summation
There have been several losses, but just as many additions. Starters
have retired, but players have been drafted to replace them.
Personnel-wise, the 2005 and 2007 rosters are quite different. But, I would actually say that this year's team is more similar to the 2005 team than the 2006 team (even though the 2006 and 2007 rosters are almost identical). In other words, I would not be shocked in the
least if the Steelers were serious contenders for the Lombardi Trophy
this year (like they were in 2005). But, I would be absolutely
floored if Pittsburgh missed the playoffs (like they did last year).
In short, like their offensive and defensive leaders (Ben and Troy),
the Steelers are back.