2008 NFL Preview > Pittsburgh Steelers Preview
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Football Preview
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
2007 Record: 10-6
Key Additions: OLB Bruce Davis, C Justin Hartwig, QB Byron Leftwich, RB Rashard Mendenhall, RB Mewelde Moore, WR Limas Sweed
Key Losses: RB Najeh Davenport, G Alan Faneca, LB Clark Hagans, FB Dan Kreider, CB/RS Allen Rossum, TE Jerame Tuman, WR Cedric Wilson
The Steelers season ended in heartbreaking fashion, as Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee’s field goal soared through the uprights in a last minute wild card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed arguably the best statistical season of his career, throwing for over 3100 yards and 32 touchdowns under new head coach Mike Tomlin, who allowed the team to play a bit more aggressively on offense. However, Pittsburgh’s pass protection suffered as a result. Tomlin kept the Steelers vaunted 3-4 defense, which remained solid until late in the season. As usual, the team did not spend much in free agency but looked to improve through the draft.
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:
With the loss of guard Alan Faneca in free agency to the Jets, the Steelers offensive line play could suffer, as Faneca is considered one of the absolute best at his position. However, the additions of draft picks Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed should provide a boost to the offense. Mendenhall gives the Steelers a powerful compliment to "fast" Willie Parker. Look for the former Illinois star to handle carries in goal line and short yardage situations and to spell Parker often. Sweed is blessed with both size and speed and will benefit from the tutelage of longtime veteran Hines Ward. Don’t be surprised if talented third year wideout Santonio Holmes becomes one of the top wideouts in the AFC, as he has become one of Big Ben’s favorite targets. The Steelers will most likely need another superb season from Roethlisberger in order to maintain their status atop the division.
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2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:
Pittsburgh did little to upgrade a unit that had difficulty against the run late in the season last year after defensive end Aaron Smith went down with an injury. However, Smith is expected back healthy this season and beefy nose tackle Casey Hampton remains an immovable force in the middle of the defensive line. Fans are hoping last year's first round pick Lawrence Timmons will play well enough during the preseason to win his training camp competition with Adam Foote for the inside linebacker spot adjacent to James Farrior. Also, standout pass rushing linebacker James Harrison will be looking to build upon the 8.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles he accumulated last year. The secondary remains solid and is led by All Pro safety Troy Polamalu.
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams:
Punter Daniel Sepulveda has been lost for the season due to a torn ACL, which he suffered in training camp. The untested Paul Ernster will likely replace him. Kicker Jeff Reed connected on 23 of his 25 field goal attempts last season, an impressive feat in itself and even more so in consideration of the difficult elements at Heinz Field.
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Expectations:
The Steelers will be hard-pressed to win their division again this season. Not only have the rival Cleveland Browns improved (at least on paper), but the Steelers face an absolutely brutal schedule that pits them against powerhouses New England, San Diego, Indianapolis and Dallas. Other playoff teams the Steelers will line up against this season include the Super Bowl Champion Giants, the Tennessee Titans, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as improved teams that may vie for a postseason berth, such as the Browns (who they play twice), the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Washington Redskins.
2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction: 2nd place in the AFC North
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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