Here we are, just hours from the NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, which marks the Steelers first preseason game of the '07-'08 season (wait...did that make sense? whatever...) It only seems fitting that we're opening things up in Canton, as if one surveys the threats our Steelers have in their arsenal this season, he or she is likely to find a good number of future hall of famers.
Personally, what I'm most excited about is the youthfulness and promise of our team. Beginning with our 34 year old Head Coach, Mike Tomlin. Despite my gripes with his willingness to allow the DBs a little too much leeway when hitting receivers in camp, I love Tomlin's attitude and determination. If the Steelers can't win with him at the helm, I don't know who else would prove better. Tomlin just wants to win. Not only win, but win by outworking the other team. Part of his pushing the players so hard in preseason is obviously his understanding that with the player base he inherited coupled with a great draft class, the Steelers chances of winning are great if they are able to play disciplined football and beat their opponents to every loose ball(literally and figuratively).
On top of Tomlin, we've got a great young secondary. Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor (yes, Ike Taylor), Anthony Smith, Bryant McFadden, even Tyrone Carter. All still very young by NFL standards and all showing signs of greatness.
Beyond the secondary, we've got a corps of great young wide outs. Last year's 1st round pick Santonio Holmes, along with Nate Washington, Willie Reid and Dallas Baker ought to make a significant impact and have "breakout" seasons if all the rumblings about emphasizing the passing game prove true.
Even further, we have a healthy Big Ben Roethlisberger. With all of his off-field problems behind him, a new coach with a new attitude and fresh new ideas, Roethlisberger should flourish and add to his unprecedented career record .
So I guess you could say I'm optimistic. Despite the fact that preseason games tend to be pretty yawn-inspiring, if tonight's game is anything like that game I attended last season in the 'Burgh between the Saints and Steelers it should be entertaining.
Here's 10 guys who I've specifically got my eye on (among others):
1. Big Ben
2. Najeh Davenport vs. Kevan Barlow
3. Dallas Baker
4. LaMarr Woodley
5. William Gay
6. Santonio Holmes
7. Anthony Smith
8. Willie Colon
9. Max Starks
10. Ike Taylor
AND last but not least, here's a sample of recent Steelers coverage:
- Sporting News
- Big Ben speaks to KDKA
- Wire report Steelers preview
- Steelers Nation amped about preseason debut
- A Saint's fans take on why the Saints will be better than the Steelers in 2007
- The almighty Rod Woodson is a doubting Thomas
- Any Willie Parker's in camp this year?
- Further proof that the Steelers know their shit -- Joey Porter having knee problems...
- Your team might be a contender if...still can't figure out if this guy thinks the Steelers are or are not...?
PS - what do you guys think of the banner I put together yesterday? Would you say it's more Troy Polamalu or Joey Porter?
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