It was a tale of several seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009.  Bad start, giving up games in the 4^th quarter unlike any former Steeler team ever, that not only bent, but broke.  Then, they bounced back and started to look like an elite team, with a MVP caliber quarterback.  Then injuries and playing down to the level of their competition and losing to teams like the Chiefs and Raiders.  Then, when their backs were against the wall, they won, but it was too late and missed the playoffs again after winning the Superbowl.  With coaching changes, hopefully there will be improvements in 2010.

OVERALL OFFENSE- B

Quarterback- B

It is always a tough grade for Ben Roethlisberger, he wins games, but let’s face it, it is never ever pretty.  For that reason he is not always put in the same sentence as other elite QBs in the game, but he definitely should be.  The problem is, with some many amazing plays he makes, there are always a handful of head scratching moments when he holds onto the ball too long and takes a sack that puts them out of FG range, but I digress.  Big Ben enjoyed his best statistical year as their normal offense changed from the “run, run, pass,” to “whatever Ben wants, he gets” offense.  Seriously, I think the offense made a great turn for the better with young guys like Rashard Mendenhall and Mike Wallace emerging as game breakers, Ben’s numbers will continue to get better.

Future: Only thoughts, potentially a veteran backup, I like hometown hero, Charlie Batch, but a younger guy would be great as they continue to develop Dennis Dixon.

Running Back- C+

This is another tough position to grade, as there is a “changing of the guard” at this position.  I have always liked Willie Parker, but he never quite developed into that every down back that the Steelers thought he could be.  Also, there is a durability factor with him as he seemed to always be banged up.  I will never ever question Mike Tomlin’s work with the younger players as his “tough love” with Mendenhall really worked out and became the running back I saw at Illinois.  He is like a five tool player in baseball, he has speed, power, and good hands, can hit the hole, and now he can pick up blitzes too!  Look for the Steelers to use him more in the flats as he is tough to stop in the open field.

Side Note, or Rant- This grade reflected more on the coaching and the lack of consistently running the ball as the Steelers have traditionally done.  I do understand the great passing game, but there were many times where they flat out stopped running the ball when it was working well.  They need to continue to run and let Mendenhall control the clock.

Future: More depth.  Willie Parker is gone, that leaves Mendenhall, Moore, and Isaac Redman, who had a great preseason but was subsequently waived and added to the practice squad.  I would like to see a veteran running back brought in, maybe a Brian Westbrook type.

Offensive Line- C

This line is under constant scrutiny with every Steelers fan and media.  The line is not extremely talented and they have struggled to replace Jeff Hartings (retirement) and Alan Faneca (free agency), but they have improved simply because they have played together for several years.  They have improved their run blocking and Chris Kemoeatu has emerged as a very good pulling guard, but the still struggle in pass blocking, especially at the tackle position.  Another argument is that Roethlisberger holds onto the ball too long and tries to create plays with his legs and takes sacks which are blamed on the line most of the time.

Future: Depth, they traditionally do not sign free agents, especially not big name lineman, but I would love for them to go after a guy that could solidify the line, like a Kevin Mawae, but look for them to try to build this line through the draft.

Wide Receiver/Tight End- B+

This is by far the best and most stabile position that they have (other than QB).  Hines Ward continues to be productive and will be on the field anytime they need him and will continue to produce for a few more years.  Santonio Holmes definitely has emerged as a very good receiver, and can be a great receiver as long as he does not disappear every now and then during some games.  Holmes is continuing to mature and improve and will be a pro bowl caliber receiver for years to come.  The biggest addition was speedster Mike Wallace.  The rookie from Ole Miss was originally going to be a returner as he developed his route running, but in camp he did everything that Limas Sweed could not and took the 3^rd receiver spot from him early in the season.  With these three receivers, they will be torching secondaries for years to come.

Heath Miller continues his improvement every season and has become a solid passer to go along with his elite ability to catch the ball.  He made the Pro Bowl due to injuries, but should be talked about in the same sentence as the elite TE’s in the NFL.

Future: Actually, the future happened as I was writing this article; the Steelers signed two veteran receivers, Arnez Battle from the 49ers, who is a decent receiver, and special teamer, and the reunited with Antwan Randle El, who I actually had written down as a potential sign.  They are all good here!

Overall Defense- C

Defensive Line- B-

This is a position that often gets lost in a 3-4 scheme, but this line is productive and plays the role very well.  Unfortunately, injuries happened and they lost several key guys.  Casey Hampton did what he does, take up space and occasionally made a big play, and was a great mentor to first round pick, Ziggy Hood, who came along strong in the end of the season.  Aaron Smith, was lost due to injury for the second time in a few years.  He is the most underrated defensive end in the NFL and he was missed from this line.

Future: Health, that’s it.  They resigned Hampton which was huge and if Hood continues to improve they will be all set.

Linebacker- B

This position has always been a solid are for the Steelers for as long as they have been in existence and it looks like it is going to be great for years to come.  Lamar Woodley and Lawrence Timmons continue to improve, both as pass rushers and in coverage.  James Harrison continues to play with the chip on his shoulder that made him a Defensive Player of the Year and a perennial Pro Bowler.  The only question is James Farrior who is now 35 years old and noticeably has lost a step.  Yes, he eclipsed 100 tackles for the fourth time in five years, but there were plays where he was burned and allowed teams to pick up crucial first downs to keep drives alive.

Future: If Penn State is “linebacker U,” then the Steelers are “linebacker pro” and continually produce linebackers that grow in their system.  I do not expect anything different now, as they will probably draft a few linebackers in the later rounds to develop.

Secondary C-

This has been the weakness with the Steelers for a few years.  Troy Polamalu brings a lot to the team and it was more evident in 2009.  With his absence, they struggled in coverage, blitzes, and even formations.  Other than not being able to hold onto the ball, Ike Taylor played well as their primary corner, but William Gay was picked on every game by opposing quarterbacks.  Ryan Clark also struggles without Polamalu, as he does struggle in coverage.  They need to develop young CBs as they do LBs.

Future: Health is most important as adding Polamalu makes the defense that much better.  They resigned Ryan Clark and added Will Allen (from Tampa) who worked with Mike Tomlin in the past.  Look for a 2^nd or 3^rd round pick spent on a CB.

Special Teams Overall- D

Coverage- Incomplete

Kickoff- 4 returns for touchdowns enough said.

Kicker- B

Jeff Reed has been a steady kicker, unfortunately, he only 4 missed field goals came in the second half of games and three were in the 4^th quarter.  He was franchised and should be back long term if he can keep out of trouble off the field.

Punter- B

Dan Sepulveda rebounded from missing all of 2008 with a torn ACL to averaging a respectable 43 yards per punt.  As long as the guys around him can tackle, he will be fine as well.

Future: The kicking game is fine, it is all about the coverage, and adding Randle El and Arnez Battle should help those aspects as well as a complete overhaul of the special teams coaching staff.