Three questions for the AFC North. Part #4 the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here at the AFC North Report we listen to you the readers. We look at all the questions and comments you post and combine it with stats, data, Wigi boards, tarot cards, and chicken entrails in an effort to determine what will happen in the coming season. With a crystal ball at our side and yes that wonderful hat that Merlin wore we seek answers, but to have answers one must have questions. So in part three of this four part series here are three questions that must be asked in regards to the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming 2012 season.

Question #1: Knowing that Rashard Mendenhall is likely out for the year why have the Steelers done nothing at the running back position? The plan going into training camp is to make Isaac Redman the starter. And not to take anything away from the young man, but he has not got the experience, or the skill-set to be a feature back. As of right now Cedric Benson (Former Bengals standout) is available as a free agent and would be cheap on a one year deal. Why not go get him at the least as a backup plan in case Redman flounders?

Question #2: Will 2012 be the same Pittsburgh Steelers team from the past? General Manager Colbert has had to make some tough decisions in regards to the cap space. Some deals have been reworked and some veterans have been flat out released. Even though I am not what you could call a ‘Steelers faithful fan” (although most of my family is), but even I was outraged at the release of WR Hines Ward. His goodbye press conference brought a tear to my eye. He is truly a class act and a lock for the HOF. Why on earth would you release such a legend that could still produce, can mentor, and was willing to take half of his current salary? This is definitely something that old man Rooney would have never done but his son and Colbert apparently had no problems with it. Also with Ward other vets were also cut such as James Ferrier, Aaron Smith, and a host of other veterans with Super Bowl rings. Don’t get me wrong, the Steelers are still one of the top teams in the division but any critical injury on the offense or on defense (such as another Troy Polamalu concussion) and this team is in trouble.

At any other point over the last decade people like Ward and Farrior would help lift up this team during the “hard times’ but without them and others like them what will become of the Steelers/ Who will be the ones to step up and ‘LEAD’/ 

Question #3: What will the Steelers offense look like? With no clear feature running back, a "diva-like" #1 wide receiver in Mike Wallace who wants more money, and a veteran QB in Ben Roethlisberger along with a new offensive coordinator Todd Haley “allegedly” already butting heads this spells bad news for the Steelers offense. The previous coordinator in Pittsburgh the past five seasons was Bruce Arians. His contract expired at the end of 2011 and has since accepted a position with the rebuilding Colts. Arians and Roethlisberger had a great working relationship. Together they brought the Steelers to 2 Super Bowl appearances and three 12 win seasons during his time in Pittsburgh.

So what Big Ben will the Steelers get this year? Will it be the fearless warrior not afraid to stand in the pocket or tuck and run when necessary? Or will it be the skittish Fluf”N’Stuf who can’t make decisions and runs as little as possible and gets hurt more than a senior citizen who has one of those “Life-Line” pins.

Only time will tell if this is true, but it is my opinion that the Steelers’ window of opportunity is quickly closing. Unless they work hard rebuilding in the draft (like they did the O-Line this offseason) Steelers fans may look at rebuilding sooner rather than later.

** In This Series, Three Questions for:
Part 1, The Cincinnati Bengals

Part  2, The Cleveland Browns 

Part 3,  The Baltimore Ravens

Michael W. Youngman--Lead Analyst AFC North
Michael is the Lead Analyst for the AFC North Report and the Cleveland Browns Report. He has written many articles that have been featured by playerpress.com, cantonrep.com, FoxSports.com, and of course this site. Michael has also written a book titled “The Dayton Project” published in 2008 by PublishAmerica. He makes his home in the Hall of Fame City of Canton Ohio with his wife Lisa and his two children Joseph and Jennifer. To learn more, visit his Website