by Juan Leer

Created on: June 04, 2010

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be facing one of the most unique challenges any team in the NFL has seen for quite some time - they essentially have to prepare two quarterbacks to start. Regular starter Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended by the NFL for at least the first 4 games of the season, making it likely that Byron Leftwich will start.

This obviously brings up a lot of issues for Coach Mike Tomlin. He has to prepare Leftwich to start the season, but Roethlisberger also must be ready to start when he returns from his suspension. There also could be issues if Leftwich thrives as starter, as neither he nor the team would want a quarterback change to happen. This will be a very interesting dynamic to watch, and it could define the Steelers season and the success that they will have.

The other big issue is that they need to find an identity offensively. Back when the Steelers won the Super Bowl, their identity on the offensive side of the ball was running the football. They did that as well as anyone, and they had a commitment to that part of the game. Last year, however, they got away from that, and they looked to pass the ball early and often. The running game was not effective at times, and so instead of working at it, they just passed the ball more. They need to re-establish their ability to run the football effectively if they are going to make it back to the postseason. Rashard Mendenhall needs to have a productive season for them.

The big key for this is the offensive line. It is brutal last year, as it seemed like Roethlisberger took a ton of hits. They need to be able to protect the quarterback better, as well as open up holes for the running game. If the Line is better, it will be much easier for them to stick to the run.

The defense also needs to be continue to be an attacking, aggressive defense. They have some of the best linebackers in the NFL, with guys like James Harrison and Lamar Woodley, and those guys need to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis. When they are doing that, the Steelers have one of the stingiest defenses in the League.

All in all, it will be difficult for Pittsburgh to get back to the postseason, mainly because of all of the issues surrounding the QB position. If any coach can get his team to focus and play well, it is Mike Tomlin, so they will be right in the thick of things, but I expect them to fall a little short of the playoffs once again.

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