2008 Prediction

     Here is my fearless prediction for 2008-09's version of your Pittsburgh Steelers.  Ready?  11-5.  How ya like that?  The schedule this year is tough.  Their  five losses will probably be Colts, Patriots, Cowboys, Jaguars, and either the Giants or Chargers.  That said, I think they will probably beat at least two of the teams I just listed.  But then, they'll probably lose to a couple teams that they shouldn't be losing to.  They do have the Giants, Colts, Chargers, and Cowboys at home.  I think the Steelers have a solid team this year.  And if (big if) there are no major injuries, they should easily get back to the playoffs and make some noise.

     Maybe I've got black and gold tinted glasses on, but I think their defense will be munch improved this year.  Their secondary should be healthier, the linebackers are fearsome (again) and I'm holding out hope that the defensive line will be better than last year.  As for the offense, Big Ben continues to improve and is the most underrated quarterback in the NFL.  Santonio Holmes continues to improve, and could have a breakout season this year.  Hopefully Willie Parker can come back from a broken leg, and Mendenhall can take some of the load from him.  That leaves the biggest weakness of the team (aside from special teams tackling) the offensive line.  Who knows how they'll be this year.  At least we got rid of Mahan.  But if the O-line sucks, its going to kill our offense.  Hear's to hoping they pull together...

     I think the Steelers are, of course, the class of the AFC North, and will win the division, beating out this year's media darlings, the Cleveland Browns.  The Browns have essentially the same schedule as the Steelers, and I'm just not a believer in the Browns yet.  I have the Browns going 8-8 this year.  That's assuming they don't do go and implode after starting the season 0-2, and start switching quarterbacks.

     The Bengals and Ravens will be non-factors this year.