From the euphoria of the 2008 Super Bowl win to the dejection of a playoff-free 2009 season, the Steelers now look to the future; and it’s tough. A major overhaul is looming, a portion of which has already been played out. Offensive line coach Larry Zierlein and special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky have been relieved of their duties. Termination rumors surround offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, now quietly writing his memoirs.
For the Steelers, it looks as though they moved away from their historic game plan based on power running and went on a lark. Shifting to a passing game with admittedly talented receivers, they gave up the big blocking back for more air strike candidates. While yielding impressive passing numbers, the increased dropbacks led to 50 ugly sacks. With the team, and the fans, already reeling from the injuries to star strong safety Troy Polamalu, concerns remain that even the rugged Ben Roethlisberger will eventually meet the same fate if he is not provided with more protection. Without Big Ben the Steelers future would indeed bleed bad luck.
If losing steam this year reflected the Steelers efforts, then look no further than the defense. These former champions of the “D”, are now aging by NFL standards. James Harrison, 31, James Farrior, 34, and Aaron Smith, 33, are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. This translates into a lost step or two within a game that demands speed. Even the famed Polamalu will turn 29 this April. Relatively young William Gay, who turned 25 on New Years Day, will most likely get burned for the garter jump this Saturday at a wedding reception.
Will new assistant coaches, a larger than life blocking back, a reinvigorated defense, strong 4th quarter play, and capable special teams represent an important part of the formula for turning around the hardship? Time will tell, but remember the Steelers, the NFL's classiest franchise, didn’t make the playoffs the year following their 2006 Super Bowl victory and we now savor the results of 2008. Let’s hope the fruits of the 2009 disappointments repeat the sweetness of 2008, since easy seasons make not champions.
Written by cog
Edited by Fantasy Guru 37
No comments:
Post a Comment