Steeler's Recap... at least we still have the Pens!

Well, the Steelers' season is now over and looking back it was probably a better season than most people expected. Most people have selective memory when it comes to the Steelers and do not remember that many pundits (and local fans) did not have high hopes for the black and gold. I remember hearing predictions anywhere between 6-10 to 12-4 (from the crazy folk!). My personal prediction was a not-so-daring 9-7. But the team got off to a great start (against some lackluster opponents) which gave false hope to the masses. Now people are complaining about missed opportunities and how the team did not live up to its potential. That's a bunch of crap. The team had issues that became more evident as the season went along. There were offensive line issues that led to additional carries for Willie Parker (he still got his yards but would have approached Jamal Anderson/Larry Johnson territory for his carries if not for his injury). There were also other injury problems throughout the season to Polamalu, Holmes, Ward and others (Aaron Smith was especially devastating at the end of the season). Add to this a new coach who is learning the ropes, a semi-progression from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, and getting almost no production at all from the rookie class, it all leads to a 10-6 season and a first-round playoff loss. Be happy and look forward to next year!