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Finally… The lockout is “officially” over, and football is in the air once again. 2011 seems to be yet another promising year for the Steel Curtain. Here are five things to watch for in Pittsburgh this season.
5- Ben Roethlisberger “Breakout” Season
Playing in 12 games last season, Big Ben threw 17 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. He broke the franchise record for least interceptions thrown in a minimum of 10 games played, and led the Steelers to his third Super Bowl appearance. This year, Ben will be entering his 8th season as the Steelers starting QB. Sure three super bowls in seven years would have looked nice, but three in eight wouldn’t look too bad either.
PREDICTION- 30+ TD’S, and <10 INT’s.
4- Hines Ward’s 1,000 Reception
Right now, Hines has 954 receptions. Last year he had the least amount of catches in his career since 2000. There is no doubt that Hines has showed signs of aging, but he’s still the heart and soul of this team. Coming into the league in 98’, not much was expected of Hines. He was average size, with slightly above average speed, and just average athleticism. Who would have thought that this guy was a future Super Bowl MVP, and franchise leader in receiving across the board? Hines’ 1,000th reception would say a lot about his career.
PREDICTION- Hines will have his 1,000th catch in week 12 against the Chiefs.
3- Mike Wallace All-Pro Selection
Ever since I saw this guy play his first career game against the Titans back in 09’, I knew he was here to stay. By the 2010 off-season, I was already predicting him to have a HUGE year. His 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns is a breakout year in my book. The funny thing about Wallace is that many people didn’t even notice him until AFTER the season had ended. At least he’s getting the attention now. I guess you can thank YouTube for that one.
PREDICTION- 75+ Catches, 1,400+ Yards, 11+ TD’s.
2- Three Rookie Starters?
Some praised, yet some criticized the Steelers’ most recent draft, but just about everybody agreed on the Cameron Heyward pick. Ziggy Hood is obviously a guaranteed starter in the Steelers 3-4 scheme, but with Brett Keisel aging, it is likely that Heyward will see the majority of the action this year; at least as the season progresses.
Despite having a solid year, the aging Flozell Adams was released just a few days ago. No worries. Marcus Gilbert out of Florida could very easily secure the starting tackle position.
Last season Bryant McFadden was somewhat of a disappointment. Curtis Brown, the third round pick out of Texas just may be the Burgh’s #2 corner this year.
PREDICTION- Heyward starts mid-season, Gilbert starts all season, Brown plays nickel the majority of the year.
1- Steelers-Packers REMATCH in Super Bowl 46?
During the two weeks leading up to last years Super Bowl, a lot of people felt that these were NOT the two best teams in the NFL. Some felt that the Steelers lucked out and avoided the Patriots. Others felt that the Packers were just fortunate enough to hit their stride at the right time. Although both of these may be true, Super Bowl 45 was one of the best, and most exciting we have seen in the last ten years. The Packers will have even more confidence this year, and the Steelers already want to get back at it.
PREDICTION- Of course I’ll predict the Steelers to win the Super Bowl, (Like I do every year), but I’m leaning a little more towards a Pittsburgh-Philadelphia match-up this season.
written by Alex Muchnok
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