What am I missing?

[Starlifter]

well, my analysis is somewhat more basic. we were 8-8 last year. other than the o-line it's essentially the same team with some notable losses. In other words, have we dramatically improved at key positions or is it still a guessing game? I think we certainly have the potential, but my gut is telling me this off season was a wash. so when you combine that with the improvements the bungles made and the rats coming off the superbowl and still looking strong - I feel like this is the proverbial 7-9. of course my usual disclaimer remains the same. if I knew what I was talking about, i'd be on the staff of the steelers instead of second guessing them.......

[skyhawk]

As Steelers fans we no not to jump to conclusions due to preseason hype. When we are ranked highly, we wait and see. We KNOW the games must be played. If we are under the radar, we KNOW that this team can play and win despite all the nay sayers. We are used to it. We KNOW our football.

On the other hand, I live in Seattle, and the SB in everyone's mind here is a forgone conclusion. The games are just fluff in their mind. They are ranked #1 and it's a JOKE to listen and watch the fans here. They haven't a clue. It may be a compliment to them but they had people paying $500 or more for a PRESEASON game. WTF? That being said, they have the best home field in the NFL. And they are contenders. But we all know the games MUST be played.

[skyhawk]

Btw, I agree with all the posters on this thread.

Best posts and thread of the year so far.

Some of your boys really know your football and the Steelers. Now, what can we argue about? I had my popcorn ready

[skyhawk]

well, my analysis is somewhat more basic. we were 8-8 last year. other than the o-line it's essentially the same team with some notable losses. In other words, have we dramatically improved at key positions or is it still a guessing game? I think we certainly have the potential, but my gut is telling me this off season was a wash. so when you combine that with the improvements the bungles made and the rats coming off the superbowl and still looking strong - I feel like this is the proverbial 7-9. of course my usual disclaimer remains the same. if I knew what I was talking about, i'd be on the staff of the steelers instead of second guessing them.......

Yes, the bungles have made improvements. But so has this team (over last year). The OTs, a healthy DeCastro, Troy, Ben. Where is the hype?

[DBR96A]

We're all missing the fact that the 2013 season is nothing but an extension of the 2012 season.

[Shawn]

Shawn, it's not even week 1. being healthy is one thing now, but what happens if a few key players go down. I don't think we have enough depth on the O-Line, Linebacker or Cornerback. Come December and we lose a few players I don't think this team can handle it

So what you are saying is the bad press is because of Steeler depth? That isn't what I'm hearing. It's old D, and not enough playmakers on O.

[Shawn]

I think the key is the offensive line. I go between excited at the potential of this high drafted young talent and worry that we might have missed on a pick or two specifically the tackles.

IF our two tackles prove worthy of their high draft pick I have no doubt you are absolutely correct.
If our oline struggles it may not go so well for us.
Ironically, if I recall correctly you are one of the people here who was most negative of Mike Adams for having watched him alot in college?
I respect your observations and that kinda worries me as I am sure Gilbert is the worse of the two.

I hope they do come around, I feel very confident if we can see even "average" play from our tackles and are relatively healthy for the year.

I have been very critical of Mike. And I think he will continue to struggle. I believe he will show what he has always shown...dominance one game, turnstyle play the next. He is the weakest link on the OL in pass blocking, and having him at LT is a problem no doubt. But, in the running game...he is a bulldozer.

He CAN be dominant when his head is in the game, and being friends with DD will help.

[Shawn]

This is the way I look at it. Erase all my points...and just consider Ben. A healthy Ben is good for 9 wins alone. He can pass to just about anyone, behind any OL. He has proven that. So, if Ben is healthy...this team wins at least 9. I believe the rest of the talent can win us a few more.

As to the points about staying healthy...well that goes for any NFL team.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

dang - no comment on the panthers... i thought it was cool how i truly arbitrarily named a team and then players who fit the roles i had described fell into place... that's what i get for stepping back and admiring my own work (and luck) - lol

[Ghost]

dang - no comment on the panthers... i thought it was cool how i truly arbitrarily named a team and then players who fit the roles i had described fell into place... that's what i get for stepping back and admiring my own work (and luck) - lol

I held up my hand to my screen, specifically your post, for a cyber high-5 if that helps...

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I held up my hand to my screen, specifically your post, for a cyber high-5 if that helps...

aaah... you complete me!

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

This is the way I look at it. Erase all my points...and just consider Ben. A healthy Ben is good for 9 wins alone. He can pass to just about anyone, behind any OL. He has proven that. So, if Ben is healthy...this team wins at least 9. I believe the rest of the talent can win us a few more.

As to the points about staying healthy...well that goes for any NFL team.

I said it prior to the pre season, and I'll say it again. This O will go as far as Adams and Gilbert take them. Keep Ben clean, give him time to throw, make holes for the runners, and this offense will hum.

[Jooser]

I'll tell you what you're missing Shawn, the current trend...and that's about it. That's why we play them there games fellas.

-Joos

[DukieBoy]

This is key because Shawn's #1 feeds into #2. If the OL doesn't stay healthy there is a greater chance of either losing Ben to injury or blunting his effectiveness. Troy looks good now, but how will he be in a month? His style isn't exactly conducive to longevity. We are also in a pretty tough division (the key term being "tough").

I guess I completely understand why many would see the Steelers as a third place finisher in the AFCN. Of course, I want things to turn out rainbows and roses but I don't think I could legitimately predict that.

Let's feed off that 3rd place prediction, all season long. take it as disrespect and motivate.