All-Time Playoff Record: 24-19
Previous Playoff Results: Click Here
Strengths
The Steelers have used the classic formula of football success this year. They run the ball extremely well behind a solid offensive line, and on defense they are the best team in the league at stopping the run. They also play a very versatile 3-4 defense that allows them to disguise blitzes and keep opponents guessing which direction it's coming from.
Weaknesses:
While Ben Roethlisberger has played like a veteran in his rookie season, he is still a rookie and it's unknown how he will react to the pressure of the playoffs. If he continues to play like he did throughout the regular season, he will be a strength instead of a weakness. But he must continue to avoid mistakes and he will probably have to make some plays if the Steelers are to escape the AFC Playoff field.
Overview:
The Steelers are probably the best balanced team in the league and in most years would probably be the obvious choice to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, this is an unusual year in the NFL and the strongest teams in the league are in the AFC. So it's not a given they will even advance to the conference championship game.
Team Roster:
Offense
8 Tommy Maddox QB
7 Ben Roethlisberger QB
2 Brian St. Pierre QB
36 Jerome Bettis RB
34 Verron Haynes RB
35 Dan Kreider RB
39 Willie Parker RB
22 Duce Staley RB
80 Plaxico Burress WR
89 Lee Mays WR
81 Sean Morey WR
82 Antwaan Randle El WR
86 Hines Ward WR
48 Matt Cushing TE
88 Matt Kranchick TE
87 Walter Rasby TE
84 Jerame Tuman TE
64 Jeff Hartings C
56 Chukky Okobi C
54 Mike Schneck C
72 Barrett Brooks OT
77 Marvel Smith OT
78 Max Starks OT
66 Alan Faneca OG
74 Jim Jones OG
79 Oliver Ross OG
68 Keydrick Vincent OG
Defense
99 Brett Keisel DE
91 Aaron Smith DE
76 Chris Hoke DT
90 Travis Kirschke DT
67 Kimo von Oelhoffen DT
96 Kendrick Clancy NT
97 Kendrell Bell LB
51 James Farrior LB
50 Larry Foote LB
53 Clark Haggans LB
92 James Harrison LB
95 Alonzo Jackson LB
57 Clint Kriewaldt LB
55 Joey Porter LB
21 Ricardo Colclough CB
29 Chidi Iwuoma CB
30 Chad Scott CB
24 Ike Taylor CB
26 Deshea Townsend CB
27 Willie Williams CB
23 Tyrone Carter S
28 Chris Hope S
43 Troy Polamalu S
33 Russell Stuvaints S
Kicker/Punter
3 Jeff Reed K
17 Chris Gardocki P
Coaching Staff
Bill Cowher – Head Coach
Ken Whisenhunt – Offensive Coordinator
Dick LeBeau – Defensive Coordinator
