2010 Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

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After winning a record sixth Super Bowl in the 2008 season, hopes remained high for the Pittsburgh Steelers entering their 2009 campaign. But, despite a 6-2 start, Pittsburgh failed to reach the playoffs, marking the third straight time it missed the playoffs following a Super Bowl win. Now, the Steelers have plenty of reason to be hungry as they enter the 2010 season.

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the offense and the defense. Then, I’ll make my prediction on where the Steelers will finish in the AFC North division.

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Offense: The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked No. 12 in the NFL in scoring offense last season, averaging 23.0 points per game. They did most of their damage through the air with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leading the attack. Big Ben had a monster season, throwing for 4,328 yards and 26 touchdowns with 12 interceptions.

As I’m sure most of you know, Roethlisberger will miss at least the first four games of this season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This means that Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon will be asked to keep Pittsburgh in the mix until Roethlisberger returns.

The team will also be asking more of wide receiver Mike Wallace after losing Santonio Holmes. Replacing a guy who racked up 1248 receiving yards last year will no easy task. Wallace will team with Hines Ward and Antwaan Randel El to form a still respectable wide receiver unit.

Running back Rashard Mendenhall will be counted on more in Roethlisberger’s absence. He rushed for 1,108 yards and seven scores in 2009.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line has come under scrutiny in recent years, but the addition of first round draft choice Maurkice Pouncey should bring instant improvement.

Defense: If Pittsburgh hopes to get back to the playoffs in 2010, it can’t afford another injury to Troy Polamalu. Dick LeBeau’s defense just isn’t the same without the NFL’s best safety on the field. Polamalu still recorded three interceptions despite only playing five games last year.

James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley are two of the most feared outside linebackers in the NFL, and the Steelers added more depth behind them with draft picks Jason Worilds and Thaddeus Gibson.

Pittsburgh was the best defensive team in the NFL in 2008, and improved play in the secondary is critical to returning to that form. Having a healthy Polamalu will help, but the Steelers also need better cornerback play opposite Ike Taylor. Bryant McFadden, Willie Gay, Joe Burnett and Keenan Lewis will compete for the other starting job.

There is reason to believe that Pittsburgh will improve on the 20.2 points per game it allowed last season. Even if the injury bug does strike again, there is better depth this year.

Prediction: 3rd AFC North – The defense should be better in 2010, but Roethlisberger’s absence could place Pittsburgh behind the eight ball. The Steelers have tough games against three playoff contenders in the first four weeks. Plus, it will likely take Big Ben a game or two to find his rhythm once he does return. NFL odds makers have listed the Pittsburgh Steelers at +210 to win the AFC North. Check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which team I have winning this division.

Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks will have you riding the money train all season long!

About the Author: Jimmy Boyd is known for his consistency. He's a proven winner in college and pro football, college and pro basketball and pro baseball. He finished as the No. 1 ranked MLB handicapper in 2007 by earning $1,000/game bettors $50,050. He also finished as the No. 1 ranked basketball handicapper in the 2008-09 season, profiting $1,000/game bettors 38,530. His basketball plays have banked $1,000/game bettors nearly $80,000 the last five years. Check out Jimmy's premium picks for tonight!
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