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From YourSITE.com AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers Post Season Review
The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2006 season at 8-8. This was better than most thought after halfway through the season. Winning 6 out of their last 8 contests was admirable and gutsy. The two loses came at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens to the tune of 58 to 7. Even though the Steelers started off so badly this year they were still close to every ranking they had the previous Super Bowl year. The only major difference was in the turn over department. QB: Ben Roesthlisberger did well down the stretch but in the end just didn’t get the job done; only getting over the 60% completion ration twice in the last 8 games. Ben threw for 18 TD’s and 23 INT’s for the year. Finishing with just under 60% completion percentage for the year is one issue of concern. The biggest thing to look forward to is how Ben performs under a new OC and HC in 2007. RB: Willie Parker is a warrior and has done more than I thought in 2006 but his road worries really pose a problem in my eyes. One bright spot was that in the final two road games Willie showed up big time. Maybe he has figured out what ails him on the road. 337 carries is more than I thought he would get as the Steelers like to have a bruising back to take away carries from the smaller back. Najeh Davenport had only 60 carries and only 3 games with over 10 carries. I think in 2007 the Steelers will draft a big back maybe a Michael Bush from Louisville. WR: Santonio Holmes came to life and even got to start a few games at season’s end due to Hines Ward’s injuries. Hines Ward is Hines Ward and should be fine for 2007. Next is Nate Washington who showed some needed toughness in the 2006 season. I think he should be in for extended playing time in 2007 in place of an inconsistent Cedrick Wilson. TE: Heath Miller is a star in the making. Big Ben loves to look his way and I think a new HC and OC will utilize his talents more often in the passing game. DEF: The defense is one year older but I think should be as strong as usual. This is not a major concern for the off-season. I think a full off-season for young guys like Anthony Smith and Bryant McFadden these two will take over starting jobs in a secondary that is the only weak link on this unit. Troy is and will be the heart and soul of the team for years to come. Another concern of Pittsburgh is Joey Porter and the fact that he wants to get PAID. The new staff will have to visit this issue head on and figure out is they can fill his shoes in FA or in the draft. Porter is due $3 million in 2007 but has mentioned that he would like an increase in pay and soon. With Cowher moving on I think he might choose to go elsewhere if his demands are not met. I’ll be back closer to the draft to examine all the team needs after the start of Free Agency. © Copyright 2003 by YourSITE.com |
