Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

The Pittsburgh Steelers are arguably the most successful organization in the history of the NFL. They enjoy one of the most loyal faNBAses in all of sports, and their players embody the blue collar attitude of the people that come to cheer them on. In recent years, no one personified this nose-to-the-grindstone mentality more than head coach Bill Cowher. Known as "The Chin", due to his habit of sticking his enormous chin as he berates players and officials, Cowher finally led his team to the promise land the season before last.

Unfortunately, things did not go as well last year. The season started out bad before it even began. Starting QB, Ben Roethlisberger, was almost killed when he wrecked his motorcycle into a car. After a shaky preseason, he was deemed ready to start for the opening game. On the eve of the first game, bad fortune again struck Roethlisberger as he was rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. He never seemed to get on track all season and the team struggled to replace the tough running and leadership provided by retired running back Jerome Bettis. After a grueling up and down season, the Steelers failed to make the playoffs. To make things worse, Cowher decided that he had had enough and decided to hang it up after thirteen seasons at the helm.

Losing the beloved Cowher was a big blow to the Steeler's faithful. Many observers wondered who team owner Dan Rooney would hire as a replacement. Rooney shocked everyone by hiring the Minnesota Viking's thirty-four year old defensive coordinator, Mike Tomlin. While Tomlin is short on experience, his limited resume is impressive. Last year he led a Minnesota defense to the number one overall ranking despite their youth and inexperience. Some people close to the franchise see the same qualities in him that were evident in the man he was hired to replace. His leadership and unremitting work ethic should motivate the young and talented Steelers.

In addition to a now-healthy Roethlisberger, the Steelers boast a wealth of talent. On defense, Troy Polamalu is widely considered to be the best all-around safety in the game. Defensive tackle Casey Hampton is a disruptive force along the interior line, stuffing runs and collapsing pockets. Defensive leader, James Farrior, will be joined by the club's two top draft picks, Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley, with the duty of shoring up a shaky linebacking corps.

On offense, the blazing-fast running back, Willie Parker, looks to improve upon the solid campaign he enjoyed in his first season as the primary back. Team leaders, wide receiver Hines Ward and offensive lineman Alan Faneca should continue to produce at a pro Bowl level while setting the standard for young players to model themselves after. Explosive wide receiver, Santonio Holmes, and sure-handed tight end, Heath Miller, should see their roles expand after coming on strong towards the end of their rookie seasons last year. Many so-called experts are predicting a down year for the Steelers as they rebuild under a new coaching staff, but it would be unwise to overlook this talented, young team and its solid veteran leadership.