The OPTIMIST
Optimistic Steelers fans believe that the Achilles Heel of this team, better known as the defensive secondary, has been rectified with an influx of young talent. Old, slow Brent Alexander was released and replaced by the young, strong Chris Hope. Troy Polamalu unseated Mike Logan as the starter at strong safety (although Logan is still the back-up). While Dewayne Washington will be stealing checks from the Jaguars, Deshea Townsend will have to fight off second year player, Ike Taylor, as the starting cornerback. Chad Scott is the only returning starter from last year's opening day secondary, although the optimistic fans believe that the rookie, Ricardo Colclough (pronounced COKE-lee) will unseat Scott by the third game of the regular season. Add Terry Fair, Chidi Iwuoma, and Willie Williams as the back-up cornerbacks, and you have yourself a mighty athletic secondary.
The offensive line was just that last year: offensive. But, with Marvel Smith (left tackle) returning to health, the Steelers' O-line should be devastating once again...as any optimistic Steelers fan will tell you. Alan Faneca (left guard) remains the best guard, and quite possibly the best O-lineman, in the NFL. Jeff Harting's (center) knees appear to be back to normal. The loss of Kendall Simmons was a harsh blow, but Keydrick Vincent has filled in admirably.
Hopefully, the rookie, Max Starks will be able to unseat the incumbent starter at right tackle, OliverRoss, which would allow Ross to move back to his more natural position as a guard. In turn, that would allow Vincent to return to his role as back-up guard (because as of right now, there is no other back-up guard on the roster). All in all, this group should create massive holes through which the running backs will dash towards the goal-line.
Since Mathias Nkwenti never reached his "potential," he was released, thus making the O-line back-ups: Barrett Brooks, Todd Fordham, and rookie Bo Lacy at tackle; no back-ups at guard; and Chukky Okobi and Drew Caylor at center (although Caylor is more of a long snapper).
Speaking of long snappers and special teams, Mike Schneck and Jeff Reed both re-signed, and punter Josh Miller wash replaced by Chris Gardocki. OK. Enough about special teams.
Steelers football is running the ball, and for the optimistic fan, the running back situation could not be better. The Steelers have a probable Pro-Bowler in Duce Staley and future "Hall of Famer" in Jerome Bettis. Either Dante Brown or Verron Haynes will get the chance to be the third down back, because the over-juking Amos Zereoue was released. And, Willie Parker has impressed everyone.
Roethlisberger is the second coming of John Elway! Is that optimistic enough?
The PESSIMIST
Plaxico Burress drops too many balls and has a poor YAC (yards after catch) average: two yards. Essentially, when Burress does catch the ball, he merely falls to the ground. Since his 6'5" frame is about two yards, that is all the farther he progresses the ball; hence a YAC average of only two yards. Antwaan Randle El is too short, and Lee Mays and Chris Doering are career back-ups. Thus, expect Hines Ward to draw triple coverage in every game, and for the passing game to flounder.