NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?

AFC North Quarter Review

Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

On paper the Ravens still look like super bowl favorites to me. They have a top rated defense, and are going to get even better with the return of Pro-Bowl safety Ed Reed. Their offense has surprisingly started off slow, but Flacco seems to be getting more comfortable with the new faces on offense and things look like they are starting to click in the passing game. The key for the Ravens will be to get RB Ray Rice going. Rice averaged 5.3 YPC last year to go along with 78 receptions. This year the rushing attack looks pretty weak. If the Ravens can get Rice back to last years form, it is hard to imagine any team that can compete with them.

Surprise Players: Anquan Boldin, Dawan Landry, Haloti Ngata

Pittsburg Steelers (3-1)

As a Steelers fan you have to be very happy about how the season is going. The Steelers played four pretty tough opponents without their starting QB, and two of them with their third sting QB, yet they are sitting at 3-1. The Steelers have a great rushing attack with RB Rashard Mendenhall and the number one rated defense in the league. The only weakness is their passing attack which ranks 31^st in the NFL. With former Super Bowl MVP QB Ben Roethlisberger under center, it won’t take long for the Steelers to start passing the ball effectively.

Surprise Players: Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

The reigning division champs are currently sitting third and looking up at two very talented teams ahead of them. In their two losses the Bengals got down early and were forced to play catch-up. What made the Bengals such a good team last year was their ability to run the ball effectively. This year RB Cedric Benson has only averaged 3.3 YPC, and has forced the Bengals to be pretty one dimensional on offense. QB Carson Palmer has passed almost 40 times per game so far. The Bengals really need Benson, and Palmer to step it up the rest of the way if they want to win.

Surprise Players: Terrell Owens, Leon Hall, Dhani Jones

Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Coming into the season, I thought the Browns were one of the worst teams in the NFL. I think they have turned some heads with the way they are playing. Usually the best word to describe the Browns is sloppy, but so far they have played some tough physical games, and they are giving some talented teams a run for their money. Even though the Browns are in a very tough division, I could see them winning 6-7 wins this season based on how they are playing right now.

Surprise Players: Peyton Hillis, Seneca Wallace, Ben Watson, TJ Ward, Scott Fuijita

Prediction: I still like the Ravens to win the division; they are 3-1 and have yet to play their best football. The Steelers could be a dangerous team with the return of QB Ben Roethlisberger, at worst they should win the wild card.

Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record 10-6

Wins: Packers, Steelers (2x), Browns (2x), Ravens (2x), Bears, Lions, Chiefs

Losses: Broncos, Texans, Raiders, Vikings, Chargers, Jets

Biggest Playmaker Chad Ochocinco

WR, Oregon St., Drafted #36, 10^th year

After a disappointing year in 2008, Ochocinco got back to his usual form with 1000+ yards and 9 TDs in 2009. He was the only major threat on his team last year, and now that the Bengals have restocked on offense look for him to have an even better year.

Impact Player Carson Palmer

QB, USC, Drafted #1, 8^th year

Palmer has always had the talent to be a top 5 QB in the NFL, but injuries and lack of overall talent on his team have slowed him down. This year may be the year where we see the full potential of Palmer. He has some weapons now at receiver with the addition of T.O., Jermaine Gresham, and Antonio Bryant. I really think Palmer can have a break out year.

Biggest Free Agent Additions Antonio Bryant & Terrell Owens

WR, Pittsburg, Drafted #63, 8^th year & WR, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Drafted # 89, 15^th year

There was a severe lack of depth behind Chad Ochocinco last year and it was evident in the Bengals playoff loss to the Jets. Ochocinco got shut down by Revis Island and there were no other weapons for Carson Palmer to throw to. Adding Bryant and Owens should solve that problem for this year.

Biggest Offseason Loss Laveranues Coles

WR, Florida St., Drafted #78 , 11^th year

The Bengals did not have too many big off-season losses this year. Although Coles only contributed 514 yards, he would be a good back up to Antonio Bryant who has been nursing a knee injury.

Biggest Draft Steal Carlos Dunlap

DE, Florida, Drafted # 54, Rookie

Dunlap is a guy that has top 10 talent, so getting him 54^th overall is obviously a huge steal. The biggest question mark was his motor on the field, and his character off of it. At times Dunlap could be a complete monster and then he would disappear at other times. If the Bengals, who believe strongly in giving guys second chances, can harness Dunlap’s raw talent and take care of his off the field issues, then this would be considered a huge steal.

Biggest Draft Reach None

You could argue that Jermaine Gresham, who did not play one snap, last year because of knee injuries, was a reach, but Gresham should be healthy now. He is a guy that could be a force in the league and end up being a big time rookie.

Offseason Grade A-

I think they had an excellent off-season, they acquired some guys that can step in right away and make plays. They got some players through the draft that could be studs in a few years.

X-Factor Carson Palmer

QB, USC, Drafted #1, 8^th year

I think if Palmer has a good year then the Bengal’s will be a very scary playoff team.

Name You Should Know Cedric Benson

RB, Texas, Drafted #4, 6^th year

The former 4^th overall pick was once considered a bust, but had a break out year last year rushing for over 1000+ yards in a season for the first time. It will be interesting to see if Benson can have another good year for the Bengals

Rising Star Bengals' Corners

Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL and are both young guys that can only get better.

Offensive Outlook B+

The Bengal’s added a lot of talent on offense which was the one place that they struggled last year. One guy that I really like that they drafted was WR Jordan Shipley, a guy that may not jump out to anyone at the combine, but runs great routes and knows how to get open.

Defensive Outlook B+

They were a very strong defensive team last year and their defense is still very young. There is no name that jumps out at you on the Bengal’s depth chart, but they have some very good young players that should start getting a little more recognition this year.

Special Teams Outlook C-

Special teams do not look great for the Bengals as Quan Crosby and Andre Cadwell are not going to make opposing coaches lose sleep at night returning kicks and punts. Right now there is a competition between K Dave Rayner and K Mike Nugent and both do not have an amazing track record. P Kevin Huber is solid.

Projected 2010 Record 11-5

The Bengal’s are a team that could really shock a lot of people this year. I think they did an excellent job through free agency and the draft and acquired some good pieces. The biggest question is with all the ego’s and character issues on their team; can they really keep it together and make a run this year?

Cleveland Browns 2010 Preview and Prediction

Last Years Record            5-11

Wins: Bills, Steelers, Chiefs, Raiders, Jaguars

Losses: Vikings, Broncos, Ravens (x2), Bengals (x2), Steelers, Packers, Bears, Lions, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Josh Cribbs

WR/KR, Kent State, Undrafted, 6^th Year

Josh Cribbs is just about the only big-play threat on the Browns’ roster.  After catching just 36 balls in his first five seasons the Browns are planning to use him more on offense, as he ran for almost 400 yards a year ago.  He is the most exciting return man in the game, averaging just under 12 yards per punt return a year ago with one touchdown and three kickoff return touchdowns.

Impact Player            Joe Thomas

LT, Wisconsin, Drafted #3, 4^th Year

Joe Thomas was drafted to become a franchise left tackle and that is just what he has become.  He has gotten great reviews from his coaches, and him lined up next to LG Eric Steinbach gives the Browns a very strong left side of the line.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Benjamin Watson

TE, Georgia, Drafted # 32, 7^th Year

Watson is a guy who is known for chasing down Champ Bailey across the field after an interception, but has yet to live up to his potential.  That said, the Patrios rarely utilized their tight ends in the passing game, and he could be a weapon for Jake Delhomme given his size and speed.  He is also an above average blocker.  Mike Holmgren should also be considered as the biggest addition, just off the field.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Quarterbacks

Sure, the Browns got rid of Derek Anderson who had a miserable year last year and Brady Quinn who the Browns could seemingly not win behind, but they did not get enough in return.   That’s without mentioning they are now looking at Jake Delhomme as their starting quarterback coming off a season with a TD/INT ratio of 8/18 and six fumbles.

Biggest Draft Steal            Colt McCoy

QB, Texas, Drafted #85, Rookie

Given the Browns current quarterback situation (Delhomme and unproven backup Seneca Wallace) they needed to draft a quarterback.  And grabbing Colt McCoy in the late third round was a great value pick.  McCoy is a great athlete for his position and incredibly accurate, the most important trait for a quarterback.  I think he will be an above average starter a few years down the road, but could be pressed into action earlier than that. 

Biggest Draft Mistake            Joe Haden

CB, Florida, Drafted #7, Rookie

Joe Haden is an incredibly talented player and worthy of a top 10 pick, but the Browns just have so many needs that they certainly could have afforded to trade down and take multiple players that will help out right away.  It looks like Joe Haden may start the season as a nickel back, and I believe that anyone drafted 7^th overall should be considered a starter near the beginning of the season.                 

Offseason Grade            C

The Browns really didn’t make many moves this offseason except for hiring Mike Holmgren and paying Jake Delhomme $7 million…far too much for an aging quarterback coming off a brutal season.  I’m not sure if the management figured they could keep winning like they did in their last four games of ’09 (three of the teams being the Chiefs, Raiders and Jaguars), but they really didn’t fill any of their major needs.  Wide receiver and defensive tackle (Shaun Rogers injury and facing possible suspension), anyone?

X-Factor            Jake Delhomme

QB, Louisiana-Lafayette, Undrafted, 14^th Year

Jake Delhomme has the ability to lead this team to six wins or so, but also the potential to steer them towards three.  It is nice to have a veteran QB in the Browns’ situation, but not so nice when his TD/Int ratio was less than ½.  Delhomme has shown that he can lead a team in the past and must step up this year.

Name You Should Know            Jerome Harrison

RB, Washington St., Drafted #145^th, 5^th Year

Harrison broke into the limelight with his 286 yard performance against the Chiefs in week 14.  He then went on to rush for 148 and 127 yards in the next two weeks.  However, those games were against the Raiders and the Jaguars.  The Jaguars ranked 19^th against the run, the Raiders 29^th and the Chiefs 31^st, not to mention these teams had no playoff chances when the Browns played them.  Harrison showed flashes of brilliance last year and will be the feature back of a rushing attack ranked 8^th in the NFL, but I am not sold on him

Rising Star            Alex Mack

C, California, Drafted #21, 2^nd Year

Alex Mack was the Browns first round pick last year and started all 16 games in his rookie season.  He only committed one penalty all year, and was part of a line that allowed just 30 sacks and ranked 8^th in total rushing yards.

Offensive Outlook            C

Jerome Harrison can be a workhorse as he proved last year, carrying the ball 106 times in the last three games, but no one can be counted on doing that for 16 games…that would put him on pace for 565 carries in a year.  Delhomme comes in as the starting QB with almost no weapons around him, and the Browns desperately need to get the ball to Josh Cribbs in open space as much as possible.  The Browns had the least passing yards in the NFL in ‘09

Defensive Outlook            C-

In 2009 the Browns ranked 29^th in yards allowed passing and 28^th against the run.  There only significant additions to this defense were OLB Scott Fujita (1 sack in ’09) and CBs Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden.  The injury to Shaun Rogers and looming suspension will also play a key role.

Special Teams Outlook            A

Special teams have been the one bright spot for the Browns.  Last year they ranked first in overall special teams, much due to Josh Cribbs’ return abilities.  Their kicking game is also very solid with punter Dave Zastudil and kicker Phil Dawson

Projected 2010 Record            4-12

The Browns are playing in a very tough division with the Steelers, Ravens and defending division champs the Bengals.  It seems like every team upgraded this offseason and addressed their needs besides the Browns.  Their schedule being the 10^th toughest in the league doesn’t help matters.  They could definitely pick up wins over the Bucs, Chiefs, Bills and Jaguars and maybe squeeze out one divisional victory.

Baltimore Ravens 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            9-7

Wins:  Chiefs, Chargers, Browns (x2), Broncos, Steelers, Lions, Bears, Raiders

Losses: Patriots, Bengals (x2), Vikings, Colts, Packers, Steelers

Biggest Playmaker            Ray Rice

RB, Rutgers, Drafted #55, 3^rd Year

In just his second year in the NFL Ray Rice amassed 2,041 yards from scrimmage, 2^nd in the NFL.  Ray Rice is a dynamic player in the open field and a very talented pass catcher, piling up over 700 yards receiving.  Look for Ray Rice to improve his rushing totals this year, as the Ravens will have a stronger pass game, taking the defensive pressure off of him. 

Impact Player            Ray Lewis

MLB, Miami, Drafted #26, 15^th Year

Sure, Ray Lewis is getting old.  Sure, it’s hard to endure a long career as a lineback in the NFL.  Have you ever watched Ray Lewis play?  I have never seen anyone play with as much passion and heart as he does, and he is clearly the leader of the Ravens’ stingy defense.  And who’s to say his 15^th year won’t be as successful as the rest, he racked up 135 tackles in year 14, and has been to 11 out of the last 13 pro bowls. 

Biggest Offseason Addition            Anquan Boldin

WR, Florida State, Drafted #54, 8^th Year

Ozzie Newsome has been a great GM over the years, but after being called out by owner Steve Biscotti for a lack of talent at wide receiver he made one of his best moves yet by trading a third and fourth round pick for three time pro bowler Anquan Boldin.  Boldin is coming off an 80+ catch and 1,000 yard season and will be a huge addition to the Ravens’ aerial attack.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Cornerback

Samari Rolle was unable to play in 2009 due to neck surgeries and unfortunately had to retire this offseason.  Starting CB Domonique Foxworth is out for the season, leaving the team pretty thin at corner.  They are currently looking at Chris Carr and Lardarius Webb as their starters who have a combined four interceptions in six total years (all four by Chris Carr in his five year career).

Biggest Draft Steal            Terrence Cody

NT, Alabama, Drafted #57, Rookie

Terrence Cody fell to the Ravens in the second round because of concerns about his weight, but he passed the Ravens conditioning test in only three tries!  Cody was a two-time Consensus All-American and at around 350 pounds can be a huge factor plugging the middle of the Ravens’ 3-4 defense.  Next to Haloti Ngata the Ravens could have a scary-big defensive line.

Biggest Draft Reach            Arthur Jones

DT, Syracuse, Drafted # 157, Rookie

Only because I had to choose.  The Ravens had a great draft yet again in 2010, but the one guy who could possibly be considered a reach is Arthur Jones.  He had injury problems his junior and senior years (torn pectoral and torn lateral meniscus).  If he can stay healthy he could be productive but will be switching to a 3-4 defensive end and showed inconsistent play during college.  However, Jones could stay healthy and prove to be a factor as a backup 3-4 DE.                   

Offseason Grade            A

The Ravens lost zero starters while upgrading their biggest weakness, the receiver spot.  In addition to Boldin the Ravens also signed Donte Stallworth.  The Ravens’ first two draft choices were the best players available in their opinion, OLB Sergio Kindle and NT Terrence Cody.  Hopefully Kindle can return soon from his fractured skull to bolster an already strong linebacking core. 

X-Factor            Joe Flacco

QB, Delaware, Drafted #18, 3^rd Year

Joe Flacco is entering his third year after leading the Ravens to the playoffs his first two seasons and improving his performance and statistics in his second season.  With the additions of Stallworth and Boldin I expect Flacco to have a big year, but his performance is key to the Ravens’ success. 

Name You Should Know            Matt Birk

C, Harvard, Drafted # 173, 13^th Year

Matt Birk has been one of the most successful centers in NFL history.  He has been to six pro bowls and was a veteran leader of an O-line that ranked 5^th in rush offense in 2009.  Birk may well be the most successful NFL player to come out of the Ivy League the past twenty years.

Rising Star            Michael Oher

OT, Ole Miss, Drafted # 23, 2^nd Year

Oher was made famous because of Michael Lewis’ book The Blind Side (later made into a movie), which told of Oher’s upbringing and journey to Ole Miss.  Oher slipped down to 23^rd in last year’s draft due to concerns about his learning disability and his childhood, but proved doubters wrong, starting all 16 games in his rookie campaign

Offensive Outlook            A-

If Joe Flacco can step up and become an elite quarterback the Ravens will be tough to stop.  Ray Rice is a dynamic weapon, and adding Anquan Boldin seriously helps their passing attack.  Todd Heap is aging but is still productive, and the offensive line is strong with Jared Gaither and Oher at the tackles and Matt Birk in the middle.

Defensive Outlook            B

Probably the first time in recent years that the Ravens’ offense can be considered stronger than their defense.  The Ravens are the 5^th oldest team in the league, and the age is showing on defense.  Ray Lewis should continue to lead the defense even in his fifth season, but the uncertainty in the secondary (inexperience at the corners and Ed Reed being on the PUP list and not knowing when he will return) could definitely hurt the pass defense.  In addition, Terrell Suggs will have to rebound from a season in which he recorded only 4.5 sacks. 

Special Teams Outlook            B

The Ravens ranked 18^th overall in overall special teams last year, and are looking to improve that ranking in 2010.  The Ravens signed Shayne Graham (fifth highest field goal percentage in NFL history) who will likely beat out Billy Cundiff.  Sam Koch was consistent in 2009 with just 5 touchbacks and 26 landed inside the 20.  They will likely look to Chris Carr to return punts again and possibly start Jalen Parmele as the kick returner, who averaged 31.4 yards per return in nine returns towards the end of the year. 

Projected 2010 Record            10-6

The Ravens have a very good chance to win the AFC North this year with the improvements to their offense, but their defense is facing injury problems already with Safety Ed Reed on the PUP list and CB Domonique Foxworth out for the season.  However, Terrell Suggs promised he would never play as badly as he did in 2009, and Ray Lewis is too good to be too old, so I seem them contending for the AFC North title in 2010…mostly due to their now balanced offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            9-7

Wins: Titans, Chargers, Lions, Browns, Vikings, Broncos, Packers, Ravens, Dolphins

Losses: Bears, Bengals (x2), Chiefs, Ravens, Raiders, Browns

Biggest Playmaker            Troy Polamalu

SS, Southern Cal, Drafted # 16, 8^th Year

Troy Polamalu is simply an exciting player to watch.  The five time pro bowler is seemingly all over the field, racking up 7 sacks and 20 interceptions in his first seven years.  Polamalu will have to recover from a knee injury that limited him to appearances in only five games in 2009, but he should be good to go and back to his pro bowl form this year.  

Impact Player            Casey Hampton

NT, Texas, Drafted #19, 10^th year

Another example of a 3-4 nose tackle having a huge impact on a team.  Hampton is also a five time pro bowler.  In 2009 the Steelers allowed less than 90 yards rushing per game and 305 yards per game, ranking 3^rd and 5^th in the NFL, respectively.  Much of that should be credited to big Casey Hampton plugging the middle.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Flozell Adams

OT, Michigan State, Drafted #38, 13^th Year

Flozell “The Hotel” Adams was signed just before training camp and was immediately inserted as the starting right tackle, due to the loss of Willie Colon for the season (torn Achilles).  Adams is yet another five time pro bowler, a proven player who will immediately contribute and bolster the Steelers offensive line.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Santonio Holmes

WR, Ohio State, Drafted #25, 5^th Year

After Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger’s off the field issues the Steelers’ organization wanted to make a statement that this kind of activity would not be tolerated.  Naturally, instead of trading their franchise quarterback they quickly dealt Santonio Holmes (yes, Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes) to the Jets for a fifth round pick.  The Steelers definitely got their point across, but traded away a talented receiver (79 catches for 1,248 yards and five TDs in 2009).

Biggest Draft Steal            Jonathan Dwyer

RB, Georgia Tech, Drafted # 188, Rookie

Jonathan Dwyer was at one point considered to be a 1^st or 2^nd round talent.  Dwyer is a bigger back at 229 pounds, but looks to fit in as the third running back behind Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore.  Dwyer could see some carries early in the year as the Steelers rely on the running game with QB Ben Roethlisberger serving his suspension.

Biggest Draft Reach            Jason Worilds

OLB, Virginia Tech, Drafted #52, Rookie

I think Jason Worilds is going to be a good player for the Steelers in the coming years.  Immediately, he does not fit into a starting role with OLB’s James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley returning.  Many teams this year are listing their 2^nd and even higher round picks as starters during the beginning of their rookie training camp.  Worilds is a DE-OLB transition and the Steelers likely could have picked him up in the 3^rd or 4^th round.  Steelers Today explains why there was not much competition for a player like Worilds.

Offseason Grade            B

The two biggest downfalls of the Steelers 2009 offseason were Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger.  Holmes misbehaved his way to a trade for only a fifth round pick, and the Steelers will likely be playing the first 4-6 games without Roethlisberger.  This was out of the hands of the Steelers’ management, but it hurt them nonetheless.  The Steelers drafted a steal in Jonathan Dwyer to replace RB Willie Parker and traded for starting CB Bryant McFadden to replace CB Deshea Townsend.    The Steelers also brought back ILB Larry Foote and QB Byron Leftwich to compete for starting jobs. 

X-Factor            Weeks 1-6

With a looming suspension to QB Ben Roethlisberger of six games (may be reduced to four for good behavior), it is key for the Steelers to rally around Byron Leftwich and Dennis Dixon.  The first four or six games are crucial to the Steelers season success.

Name You Should Know            LaMarr Woodley

OLB, Michigan, Drafted #46, 4^th Year

LaMarr Woodley had a breakout year for the Steelers in 2009, recording 62 tackles and 13.5 sacks.  The OLB position has always been a focus for the Steelers 3-4 defense, and Woodley has the potential to be the next great one.  If he is healthy all year, expect another 10+ sacks.

Rising Star            Rashard Mendenhall

RB, Illinois, Drafted # 23, 3^rd Year

Rashard Mendenhall had a great 2009 campaign, starting 12 games, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 7 touchdowns.  With Willie Parker gone, Mendenhall will be the starter from day 1 and should get many more carries.  He can also be a factor in the passing game. 

Offensive Outlook            B

The uncertainty at quarterback for the beginning of the season hurts the Steelers, but when Roethlisberger is back expect a pretty consistent, balanced offense.  The Steelers are expecting big things from 2^nd year WR Mike Wallace in replacing WR Santonio Holmes (averaged 19.4 yards per catch in 2009), as am I.  The Steelers offensive line is a bit of a concern with the loss of their best lineman RT Willie Colon, and hopefully for them Flozell Adams can step up his pass blocking.  First round pick Maurkice Pouncey should help bolster the Steelers interior very early. 

Defensive Outlook            B+

Troy Polamalu is healthy again.  This is absolutely HUGE for the Steelers defense as Troy will bolster the run defense with his hard hitting aggressive play and the pass defense with his ball-hawking abilities.  NT Casey Hampton, OLBs LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison are coming off great years.  The Steelers biggest concerns are their age and their cornerbacks.  The Steelers had only 12 interceptions last year and their pass defense ranked 16^th in the NFL.  If the Steelers can improve their pass defense from last year they will be very difficult to move the ball on. 

Special Teams Outlook            C+

Kicker Jeff Reed has been consistent on field goals, but the Steelers allowed four kickoff return touchdowns (and lowest average kickoff distance and ranked 25^th in yards per return) a year ago.  However, he only missed two field goals (out of 29) inside the 50.  Punter Daniel Sepulveda is a good placement kicker, sticking 29 inside the 20 last year and allowing under six yards per return.  The Steelers will count on the tiny and shifty (5’6 180 pound) Stefan Logan to handle the kick and punt return duties.

Projected 2010 Record            8-8

The Steelers have been a very consistent franchise for quite some time now, and they will be able to overcome the adversity they face with Roethlisberger’s suspension.  The Steelers defense is aging and did not bolster a pretty poor secondary (other than adding Bryant McFadden who had zero interceptions in 2009).  The offense is relying on Mike Wallace to be able to take Santonio Holmes’ spot as the #1 receiver.