Steelers Face Challenges in Repeat Bid
The Pittsburgh Steelers, riding the momentum of their Super Bowl victory, will face various challenges as they start the new NFL season without several key players, including quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The team's top quarterback is out for at least the opener due to an appendectomy, while running back Jerome Bettis has retired, and receivers Antwaan Randle El and other starters have left via free agency. Despite these setbacks, coach Bill Cowher says his team is built for continuity, and linebacker Joey Porter remains optimistic about their chances. "It still feels like we're a championship team," Porter says. "We've got a chance to go out there and prove it."
Key Takeaways:
- The Steelers return the bulk of their lineup, built for continuity by the Rooney family.
- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is out for at least the opener due to an appendectomy.
- Running back Jerome Bettis has retired, and receivers Antwaan Randle El and other starters have left via free agency.
- Coach Bill Cowher's status for the future remains uncertain, with the team stating that they hope to keep him for "many more years" but not committing to a contract extension.
- The Steelers have given contract extensions to two young talents: running back Willie Parker and cornerback Ike Taylor.
- Club President Art Rooney II emphasized the importance of building the team through the draft and selective free agency, rather than mortgaging the future on expensive contracts.
Statistics:
- The Steelers have been built for continuity by the Rooney family, with a focus on retaining key players rather than relying on free agency.
- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a 27-4 record as a starter in the NFL.
- Running back Willie Parker ran for 1,202 yards in his first season as a starter.
- The Steelers have won four Super Bowl titles in the past 90 years, with the most recent title coming in February.
Sources:
- [USA TODAY] (no date)
- [Associated Press] (no date)