Why do I have this gut feeling?

[Rocky Mtn]

That were going to see a special Steelers season on the positive side . Not necessarily a Super Bowl ,but one that's going to keep us riveted into a playoff win+. I know that's unbridled optimism ,but just a gut that I keep getting.

[WindyCitySteel]

Half of me thinks that, the other half is worried we start 0-2 or 0-3 and have to dig ourselves out again. Maybe both happen, but I'd obviously prefer to get off fast and get better.

[Rocky Mtn]

Half of me thinks that, the other half is worried we start 0-2 or 0-3 and have to dig ourselves out again. Maybe both happen, but I'd obviously prefer to get off fast and get better.

I can see both also,but I haven't had a gut feeling like this since their unprecedented wildcard run . Not sure why then either but I guess that one panned out. Maybe it's just the fresh restart and unknown that has me going.I might add that the wildcard one was not preseason but a couple games into their stretch streak.

[Captain Lemming]

Half of me thinks that, the other half is worried we start 0-2 or 0-3 and have to dig ourselves out again. Maybe both happen, but I'd obviously prefer to get off fast and get better.

I know whisper will see this as an excuse but I think the reality is that units like the secondary m, inside backers, and oline are some of the most communicative positions that take time to gel. They ALL have a number of new faces and youngsters.

Truth is this team will finish much stronger than they start. First 8 games 4-4 would be a nice start and WILL get us to the dance.

I think anything more is unrealistic.

[feltdizz]

My worry is the first game being extremely physical and having guys sidelined for the next 3 to 4 weeks.

last 2 years have beat Buffalo and Cincy and then lost the next 3 games.

I would prefer to lose the first game and then win the next 3 or just win all 4

[SteelerOfDeVille]

I'm riding the same train I've been on since KP was drafted.

"It's a 3 year process"
Year 1 - Record around .500 while KP grows
Year 2 - Playoff birth as a wildcard, loss first round <-- you are here
Year 3 - Playoff birth as a contender.

Having said that, I HOPE they surpass my expectations. I think they have a talented enough roster to do better than we expected - the problem is, they're young.

[whisper]

Half of me thinks that, the other half is worried we start 0-2 or 0-3 and have to dig ourselves out again. Maybe both happen, but I'd obviously prefer to get off fast and get better.

I could see a shocking win week 1 vs. SF followed up with some painful losses to lesser teams, Tomlin stye.

[Steel Maniac]

I could see a shocking win week 1 vs. SF followed up with some painful losses to lesser teams, Tomlin stye.

Can't wait until we get to actual game to game predictions.

[LPMAN]

As a Steelers fan one is usually optimistic this time of year. We've addressed many holes, it's mainly up to how Pickett, Mitch perform, Tomlin & Canada coach, Boswell staying money in tight games AND the luck of not having too many key injuries.

[whisper]

As a Steelers fan one is usually optimistic this time of year. We've addressed many holes, it's mainly up to how Pickett, Mitch perform, Tomlin & Canada coach, Boswell staying money in tight games AND the luck of not having too many key injuries.

We've already had two semi-depressing injuries being that they are both lost for the year (Trice, Graham). I hope that's near the last of them.

[LPMAN]

We've already had two semi-depressing injuries being that they are both lost for the year (Trice, Graham). I hope that's near the last of them.

Well i've heard them building up Trice since OTAS but never seen him play yet. Graham i've never ever heard of. I mean Graham had to be low % to make the team with Najee, Warren & McFarland ahead of him.....When i say stay out of key injuries i mean don't have anyone injured like.......WAIT not going there i'll jinx them!

[Captain Lemming]

Well i've heard them building up Trice since OTAS but never seen him play yet. Graham i've never ever heard of. I mean Graham had to be low % to make the team with Najee, Warren & McFarland ahead of him.....When i say stay out of key injuries i mean don't have anyone injured like.......WAIT not going there i'll jinx them!

Too late you know you THUNK IT. We will blame you when the inevitable happens pal!!!

[Flasteel]

I'm riding the same train I've been on since KP was drafted.

"It's a 3 year process"
Year 1 - Record around .500 while KP grows
Year 2 - Playoff birth as a wildcard, loss first round <-- you are here
Year 3 - Playoff birth as a contender.

Having said that, I HOPE they surpass my expectations. I think they have a talented enough roster to do better than we expected - the problem is, they're young.

This is kind of the way that I'm looking at it as well - provided Pickett continues to develop. Our expectations are grounded by reality, whether it's due to the natural progression it takes to build a contender or the young roster you pointed out. However, the realm of possibility has no such chains.

It's easy for me to see a legitimate path for this team to exceed our collective expectations. If for example our 2nd year guys take that next step and the team avoids any significant injury concerns, the Steelers should dominate that weak-ass schedule. On the flip side, the realm of possibilities also includes a lack of development from Pickett and company, as well as the injury bug.

I just feel it is more likely the Steelers exceed expectations rather than fall short, based on the roster they are taking to camp. A lot of the injury stuff is pure luck though. I guess we'll find out if the football gods smile upon us or not.

[LPMAN]

Too late you know you THUNK IT. We will blame you when the inevitable happens pal!!!

Yeah i can't divert this incoming catastrophe

[SteelerOfDeVille]

This is kind of the way that I'm looking at it as well - provided Pickett continues to develop. Our expectations are grounded by reality, whether it's due to the natural progression it takes to build a contender or the young roster you pointed out. However, the realm of possibility has no such chains.

It's easy for me to see a legitimate path for this team to exceed our collective expectations. If for example our 2nd year guys take that next step and the team avoids any significant injury concerns, the Steelers should dominate that weak-ass schedule. On the flip side, the realm of possibilities also includes a lack of development from Pickett and company, as well as the injury bug.

I just feel it is more likely the Steelers exceed expectations rather than fall short, based on the roster they are taking to camp. A lot of the injury stuff is pure luck though. I guess we'll find out if the football gods smile upon us or not.

This is completely the mindset that I have as well... I think they *could* exceed expectations. Frankly, they did a little better last year than I expected.

Apart from overall team health, Pickett's growth drives this team's potential for the next couple of seasons. I also believe that by the end of this season, we'll know if he's the guy or not.

These days, by the end of year 2, QBs start to show who they'll be long-term.