2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Football Preview

2008 Record: 12-4, First AFC North; 3-0 in postseason, Super Bowl Champions

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Head Coach: Mike Tomlin; Third year

Key Additions: CB Keiwan Ratliff

Key Losses: LB Larry Foote, QB Byron Leftwich, CB Bryant McFadden, OG Kendall Simmons, WR Nate Washington

1st Round Draft Picks: Ziggy Hood – Defensive Tackle

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

Pittsburgh Steelers2008 NFL Season in Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the reigning Super Bowl Champions, after defeating the Arizona Cardinals in February. They arguably slipped under the radar for most of the year, despite their strong record and their consistent play.

The defense was absolutely dominating, even by Steelers standards. The team ranked first in points allowed, pass yards allowed and total yards allowed. They fell off a bit to rank second against the rush. The blitz was intense and swarming, led by Troy Polamalu and Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison. LaMarr Woodley, Ike Taylor and James Farrior all also had excellent seasons.

The offense was never statistically great but the team got the job done and put points on the board when they needed to. Willie Parkre missed a good deal of the year and was never at 100% and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall was injured early in the season by the punishing Ravens defense. Journeyman running back Mewelde Moore filled in capably and allowed the team to maintain a somewhat balanced attack.

Hines Ward had another great year, as a leader, a pass catcher and a blocker and wide receiver Santonio Holmes had a breakout season that of course culminated with his big plays in the Super Bowl. Tight end Heath Miller also quietly had another very strong campaign.

Pittsburgh Steelers2009 NFL Season Preview

If it looks like the Steelers didn't do a whole lot in the off season you'd be correct. But then, why shake things up when you just won the Super Bowl and are primed to make another run deep into the postseason? More importantly than bringing anybody onto the team, all of the star players remain, leaving Tomlin, Roethlisberger and company a great shot at another Super Bowl run.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense:

Ben Roethlisberger didn't have a great statistical year in 2008, however he made clutch plays and showed leadership when it mattered most. He'll be relieved to have a healthy cast of running backs behind him, to take the pressure off of his 1-2 receiving punch of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. Heath Miller is as reliable a target as there is in the league and the only problem is keeping Roethlisberger on his feet without getting too banged up. The healthy running backs should help that proposition by keeping defenses less primed to pin their ears back and blitz.

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2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense:

What do you give the number 1 defense in the league for an off season present? How about a Super Bowl hero and the 2008 Defensive Player of the year secured to be with the team for the foreseeable future. That's what the Steelers did in resigning James Harrison to a large new contract. Of course, Pro Bowl caliber players line the unit, none more important than Troy Polamalu. With their ball hawking and play making, as well as their ability to stuff the run and blitz the quarterback, there's no reason that this defense shouldn't be dominant once again.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction: First AFC North

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

View all of the 2009 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!