ClevTrev

Here's a link that will shed some light on what's going to happen with the Steelers' defense:

http://kdka.com/steelers/local_story_078231049.html

"One change Tomlin won't make immediately: switching to the 4-3 defense and Tampa 2 coverage scheme he prefers.

While he is expected to incorporate some elements of the 4-3 defense he used last season as Minnesota's defensive coordinator, a total overhaul isn't feasible with the players and the system currently in place.

The Steelers signaled that recently by re-signing defensive end Aaron Smith.

He is ideal for the 3-4 scheme they have played since the early 1980s but not so well-suited for the 4-3, especially if he had to move inside and play tackle.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has a number of key players who fit into the 3-4 much better than they would a 4-3 - linebackers Clark Haggans, James Farrior and James Harrison and defensive end Brett Keisel among them.

So any changes made now, in the spring minicamps and preseason training camp, are likely to be subtle."

If you watched the Steelers vs. Redskins Saturday night, the 3-4 was evident. Not as flexible as the Pats, the Steelers occasionally switch alignments, but their defensive personnel is better suited for the 3-4 at this time. They've been successful with it, and if it ain't broke, why fix it? Especially with LeBeau in place along with the players who make it go.

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drakesta101

Thanks for the info - I think this obviously benefits the Steelers. I have them pegged to win the North.

ClevTrev

As stated, the Steelers should still be a force defensively. It's the offense where I believe they'll be most challenged.

In the AFC North, the Ravens are still the team to beat. The question marks are the Bengals and the Steelers. Can the Bengals stand up to the division and the conference defensively? Can the Steelers score enough to keep pace with the Bengals and overcome the Ravens strong defense? The Steelers have a new OC who is familiar with the system. The real wild card is Rothlisberger. If he's on, they could be 11-5, if not, 9-7 or worse. If I were betting:
1) Ravens (11-5)
2) Steelers (9-7)
3) Bengals (9-7)
4) Browns (5-11)

In this scenario, neither the Steelers nor the Bengals make the playoffs. Course, this is so much hot air at this time of year, but it makes it fun to pass the time. We'll see how close this is when the ammunition is live.

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slash83

I still am not convinced the jets should be running a 3-4, they just dont have the d-line for it and itl show this year just like it did last season.

drakesta101

I agree - the Ravens will still be a force, but I have no faith in McNair and I think that his abilities or lack there of will stick out this season.

BoltsFan

I think I understand that. :icon_smil

ClevTrev

Understood, but when the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV, they had no offense to speak of yet beat the Giants 34-7. Defense wins games, which is why I can't count out the 2007 Steelers completely.

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DisgruntledTunaFan

Saw the Denver/Dallas game tonight.

Yeah-Shanahan all but evaluates talent, and nothing more during preseason, but they nonetheless looked BAD tonight, especially on D.

Dallas played much of the first half w/o Owens and Glenn(and their 2 starting OTs), but they nonetheless torched the Broncos in the air AND on the ground(if it weren't for a couple of drops and a fumble by Sam Hurd, it would have been a lot worse)-and not to mention too that the Broncos played their starters the entire half to boot. And on O, the Broncos didn't look any better.(Yeah, Wade did some stunts and blitzing, but they were very ordinary, nothing special).

It's hard to say still, but the Broncos may have alot of trouble this year.

ClevTrev

I'd go with your first statement about Denver. They're going to be a force this season. Just like the Pats, they are playing situations to get their team ready and to see how players fit. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing long lasting can ever be gleaned from these games at this stage.

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italia44

per ESPN:Eckuban is out for the year with
a ruptured achilles tendon.