by Jeffrey Sammerson

Created on: September 13, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

With the arrival of new coach Mike Tomlin, I think the Steelers are in a much better position this year to do well than last year. Now, I have lived in Pittsburgh all of my life and have been to numerous games, and last year was the only year that I can remember that there was no fire. Even in the stands. Bill Cowher had no fire, the players had no fire and the fans just kind of gave up.

I can remember back years ago to 7-9 years, 9-7 years, or worse, and there was always a particular feel in the stadium. A certain electricity throughout the stands. The players and coaches always had it. It was like someone let the air out of the tires this past season. Now it is time to get some new tires and run all over the AFC. Especially our own division.

When Bill Cowher left, everyone in Pittsburgh was worried. It was like their dog ran away. I think that that was the best thing that could have happened to this team. We brought in fresh blood with a new look defensively and offensively. With the Super Bowl hang over out of Pittsburgh these guys can't do anything but win. This preseason was one of our better ones in years and we started the regular season off to a strong start buy embarrassing the Browns in their stadium. After watching the Raven and Bengals game on Monday night, I didn't see anything to worry about with those two teams. We always play well against the Bengals, and the Ravens, I mean Come on. You can't win with that many mistake and dropped passes.

Now they may have made some questionable calls in the preseason by cutting Veron Haynes and Chuckie Okobi. And that Dan Krieder situation is somewhat troubling, but what a start to the season. It almost makes me think that that was the call that should have been made the whole time. If Cowher had made that call last season would they have been better off? With Veron Haynes being injured all last season, one wonders.

The only factor that concerns me is can Willie Parker get 200 and 150 yards games as a single back with three tight ends. A tight end is not a full back. And Kerry Davis is not Dan Krieder. This all Depends on Bruce Arians. Will he make the same observations that I make? Sure it may take a little while for the tight ends to get up to par with their blocking, but like I said, a tight end is not a full back.

One can just wait and see, right? I look for the Steelers to return to Super Bowl form and at least make it to the playoffs. Since New England can't cheat and steal signs anymore, I look for the Steelers to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this with at least an 11-5 record.

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