I'll be fully sincere about my feelings on the victory more than the that concluded the 2005 season, this previous February. I believe the Steelers had been lucky to find a lot favor in the referees on many calls that might have gone both way plus a couple they should really not have gotten whatsoever.
Having stated that, I'm going on record today to state that the Steelers is not going to, repeat, will not, win consecutive Super Bowls.
I will also be trustworthy and state that, at the least, on paper, the Steelers really should at the very least come close to duplicating the type of achievement they knowledgeable final season, when head coach, Bill Cowher ultimately won the elusive Vince Lombardi trophy that he was chasing for in excess of a decade.
My feelings around the Steelers undoing in 2006 are alot more of a gut feeling than something. The Steelers have by now gotten off to a dubious start with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's sudden motorcycle accident, which he miraculously walked far from and much more not long ago, Cowher's failed contract negotiations at securing an extension on his recent contract. Moreover, all people is aware of the champion includes a bullet on their backs all season lengthy. Nonetheless, as the old saying goes, 'this is why they play the games.'
Here is my breakdown to the Steelers for 2006.
Quarterback
I never believe Roethlisberger will endure any on-field effects from his shut call, having said that, you under no circumstances know what's in between a guy's ears when a close to tragedy takes place.
I like Roethlisberger zx6r fairings, only since he appears to get a knack for not creating the expensive turnover and carries himself by using a poise that belies his youth.
I think he'll once more make numbers related to those of last season when he threw 17 Td's and only 9 picks.
In case the Steelers can run the ball successfully, which they usually seem to do, then that will only serve for making Roethlisberger much more valuable. Charlie Batch returns as the backup to "Big Ben" and rookie Omar Jacobs have to be No. three.
Working Back
Properly, no one will probably be catching "The Bus" in Steel Town anymore. Using the retirement of Jerome Bettis, the Steelers rushing chores are going to be dealt with by starter, Willie Parker and backup, Deuce Staley, the two competent runners who know how to get the task completed.
Wide Receiver/Tight Finish
Hines Ward is one of the very best broad receivers during the total league plus the right blocker from the league at his place.Veteran, Cedrick Wilson will commence on the other side and speedster, Santonio Holmes must see plenty of action this season as well, in addition to second-year guy, Nate Washington and veteran Quincy Morgan.
Tight end Heath Miller may be a large target and it is only going to get greater with every passing game.
Offensive Line
The Steelers, who typically area very good offensive lines annually, are returning each member of this unit from final season.
All-Pro guard, Alan Faneca, is often downright overpowering and center Jeff Hartings is coming off of two consecutive Professional Bowls at the same time. Marvel Smith, Max Starks and Kendall Simmons round out the remainder of this unit that is certainly the basis for every thing the Pittsburgh does on offense.
Defensive Line
Youngster, Brett Keisel may have some on-the-job coaching as he replaces the departed Kimo von Oelhoffen. Nose tackle Casey Hampton is coming off his 2nd consecutive Professional Bowl honors. Just after missing a whole yr immediately after using a torn ACL. Aaron Smith plays the other finish and veterans, Travis Kirschke and Chris Hoke finish out the rotation.
Linebacker
That is one more unit that the Steelers seem to typically have success with. Though I'm not a fan of Joey Porter, he's a playmaker (albeit a loud-mouthed one particular) who is coming off his third Professional Bowl immediately after main all NFL linebackers with 10.five sacks last season.
Clark Haggans is no slouch both and recorded nine sacks himself in 2005 (all against the Indianapolis Colts in final season's playoff matchup). James Farrior and Larry Foote round out this unit that must once again, be a power for that Steelers.
Defensive Back
Despite the fact that the Steelers surely will not have a corner from the class with the biggest cornerback ever, Steelers Hall of Famer, Mel Blount, safety Troy Polamalu is downright unbelievable and is quite possibly the right safety in all of football at this moment.
Cornerback Ike Taylor is immediately getting into Pro Bowl territory as well and veteran, Deshea Townsend, is competent, if not spectacular. Bryant McFadden, Ryan Clark, Chris Hope and Anthony Smith round out this improving unit.
Distinctive Teams
I like, kicker Jeff Reed and punter, Chris Gardocki. Both are trusted veterans who carry out just about as well outside as inside domes.
The Steelers will however, miss the departed Antwaan Randle El immensely.
Ricardo Colclough and Quincy Morgan will handle the punt and kickoff return duties until finally one or even the other falters.
Coaching
For your third consecutive season, head coach Bill Cowher's entire coaching workers returns. I have often been a big fan of Cowher's and even though I had some difficulties with many questionable calls in their Super Bowl victory, I will need to admit it was good to see Cowher lastly get his championship.
The Steelers have among the many optimum staffs inside the entire league - plus they will unquestionably need it to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2006.