It is that time of year. Congratulations to the fans of Indy and New Orleans. You get to start the year tonight. Yes, all football fans win, but when it is not your team, it is more like a tie.
Sunday brings a lot to my table. No. 1, the Steelers open the season. But then you add to it, they face the hated Browns. Does it get any better to start?
What I am looking to see:
1) How does Big Ben comeback from a lackluster 2006?
This is the biggest question facing the Steelers going into 2007. Roethlisberger has been given the keys to the car. He has full control under Bruce Arians and looks to be ready to roll. If the Steelers are to regain their rightful spot atop the AFC North, his play will be vital.
2) DEE-FENSE!
Much like in 2004, the Steelers defense needed tweaking personnel-wise. Getting pressure on the QB will make the secondary better. Two changes will hopefully be the right mix to bring Blitzburgh back to its fearsome status. One, James Harrison in for Joey Porter and the depth addition of LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons. Porter is on his last legs and Harrison looks ready for prime-time. Two, Mike Tomlin is taking a hands-off approach with Dick LeBeau. That's something Bill Cowher never did. Now the mad scientist of the zone blitz is free to wreak complete havoc on NFL offenses.
3) Schedule offers strong opening
The month of September brings four opponents who combined to go 23-41 in 2006. The Browns, Bills, 49ers and Cardinals give the Steelers open-field running to open the season. The Steelers have a bye week six after facing the Seahawks on October 7. A 4-1 start is vital based on tough late-season matchups at the Jets, Pats, Rams and Ravens. The non-division road games this year are all tough with visits to Arizona (Whisenhunt and Grimm look for revenge) and Denver joining the ones I already noted. December is particularly brutal, so the Steelers need to get off to a great start.
My call is 10-6 or 11-5 and look forward to seeing the Steelers back in the playoffs.
Lucia Dvorska
Daniella Sarahyba
Did You See That?
NFL Fans: Week 11
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