Steeler D

Pondering on the Steelers' success last year, the league has really shifted in terms what successful teams focus on. Defense has become the focal point for most NFL teams, because the best teams have the best defenses. We can look at the success and failure of teams and see that without a premier defense, you will not win in this league; The Titans and the Saints. How does a team with Drew Brees and Reggie Bush go 8-8, while a team with Kerry Collins and a rookie RB goes 13-3? The Titans' defense makes all the difference.

These aren't the days of the "greatest show on turf" or Peyton Manning's fanclub; Instead, teams like the titans, steelers, ravens, and giants have risen to the top of the NFL, because they have complete defenses that can win games themselves. Look at what made the difference in the superbowl; While Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner showed off their offensive firepower, James Harrison's defensive play created a 10 point swing in the game. Even looking back at last year's superbowl; Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the Patriots seemed unstoppable, but the Giants' linebacking corps got to the duo, and they were shut down when it mattered.

Hell, look at the biggest Free Agent signing this offseason; It's Albert Haynesworth's move to Washington, possibly the most pivotal defensive player when he's on the field. The shift also appears in coach signings and success. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh, both former defensive coordinators, were the most successful young coaches in the past year, and Mike Singletary is making things bubble in San Franscisco. Meanwhile, Eric Mangini, the so-called offensive genius, was left to drown in New York and New England's offensive wiz Josh McDaniels is already looking shaky in Denver.

All this is getting me excited about this upcoming season for the Steelers. This league has proven that Defense is where you win games, and the Steeler D is going nowhere, possibly getting even better.

Lamarr Woodley is hitting his peak, while James Harrison is still hungry. James Farrior is in the best shape of his life, and Ike Taylor is learning to catch, and becoming an elite corner in the league. William Gay is going to make a splash this year replacing Bryant McFadden, because when he was on the field last year, he played extremely well. Last year during the Super Bowl run, the ESPN Insiders wrote that:
"One other surprising addition has been the impressive play of nickel cornerback William Gay. According to Football Outsiders' game charting project, the two starters, Taylor and McFadden, are performing roughly the same as Taylor and then-starter Townsend in 2005. Gay, however, has been the best nickel corner in the NFL. Opponents are averaging only 3.3 yards per pass when they throw at Gay's man."

3.3 yards per pass?! That's incredible, and I think we're going to see even more from Gay when he finally gets his deserved start. However, the guy i'm most excited about is Lawrence Timmons. Timmons is incredibly fast for his size and strength. This allows him to rush the QB and drop into coverage easily, and makes him a guy that lineman and quarterbacks always need to keep their eyes on. Of course, there are alot of those guys on the Steeler Defense. Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith, should I go on?

Sure i'm excited about the offensive developement with our second-year players. But with the league patterns showing defensive prominence, i'm much more excited about the Steeler D; they have the potential to be elite again.