Even the most optimistic of black-and-gold supporters would be hard-pressed to believe this scenario: Nearly a third of the way through the NFL season, the Steelers are one of the league’s top teams again.
Given the franchise’s track record and talent, that would not be shocking in a normal year.
But this has been no ordinary year.
The trouble started the moment the schedule was released. It is the toughest in the NFL, with half the games coming against playoff teams from last season, including the defending Super Bowl champion Giants and the nearly perfect Patriots.
Not surprisingly in the topsy-turvy world of the NFL, some of the teams on the remaining schedule look worse than when the season started (the Chargers are 2-3) while others look a lot better (the Titans are 5-0).
Still, the Steelers’ remaining opponents have a combined record of 27-23, and five of the 11 games are against teams that currently have a winning record.
More daunting than the schedule is the laundry list of injuries that the Steelers have suffered.
It started in training camp, as punter Daniel Sepulveda had to undergo season-ending knee surgery.
Backup quarterback Charlie Batch didn’t make it past the first preseason game, as he broke his collarbone and was placed on injured reserve.
Willie Parker, who was leading the NFL in rushing before breaking his leg last season, went down with a knee injury that opened the door for rookie Rashard Mendenhall, who promptly fractured his shoulder.
Parker should be back this season, but Mendenhall won’t be.
Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton has been out with knee injury while guard Kendall Simmons will miss the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
One player who amazingly hasn’t missed significant time is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The 6-foot-5, 241-pounder has taken a beating in almost every game.
Combine Roethlisberger’s penchant for holding the ball too long with a patchwork offensive line, and the results have been painfully predictable.
But Roethlisberger keeps pulling himself off the turf, play after play. He says that this week’s bye week should help him heal and have him ready for the Oct. 19 game at Cincinnati.
Coach Mike Tomlin had better hope so. Roethlisberger has been the difference-maker this season, lifting the Steelers to victory Sunday night in Jacksonville when Mewelde Moore – the team’s fourth-best option at running back – was the main ballcarrier.
The team’s defense has also suffered its share of bumps and bruises – in addition to Hampton, defensive end Brett Keisel was in street clothes on Sunday night – but still ranks second in yards per game.
The special teams, long a weak spot, have also been effective this season. Mitch Berger, Sepulveda’s replacement, has been strong, and kicker Jeff Reed is arguably the best in the league. Even the coverage units have been effective.
Despite everything that has gone wrong, Tomlin and the Steelers are somehow headed in the right direction – toward the playoffs.
Eric Knopsnyder is the sports editor of The Tribune-Democrat.
Pro
Eric Knopsnyder | Steelers thrive despite woes
- Pro
-
-
Ex-Pirate Ludwick signs with Reds
The Reds have made a couple moves to improve their depth, finalizing a $2.5 million, one-year contract with outfielder Ryan Ludwick and a minor league deal with left-handed starter Jeff Francis.
-
Steelers introduce Haley as offensive coordinator
Throughout the 16 minutes that followed him glowingly introducing former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley as his new offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stood proudly in the corner of the second-floor media room at the team’s facility.
-
Michigan board gives go-ahead on Winter Classic
The University of Michigan Board of Regents on Wednesday authorized athletic director Dave Brandon to seek a contract with the NHL that would allow the league to hold next year’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.
-
Pens fall to Habs in shootout
Tomas Plekanec scored on Montreal’s eighth attempt in the shootout to lead the Canadiens to a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.
-
Steelers make it official: Haley’s their man
The Steelers have named Todd Haley their new offensive coordinator.
-
Steelers press release on Todd Haley
PITTSBURGH ― The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator, it was announced today.
-
Johnstown Generals announce 2012 schedule
The Johnstown Generals will open their second season on the road at Cincinnati on March 3 but will play just three of their 10 remaining games away from Cambria County War Memorial according to a league schedule posted on the United Indoor Football League’s website at uiflfootball.com.
-
Crosby practices with Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practiced Monday but said he is no closer to returning from a concussion and neck injury that have sidelined him for most of the season.
-
Report: Haley will be Steelers’ next O-coordinator
The Steelers will hire former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley to be their offensive coordinator, according to an ESPN report.
-
Manning wins second Super Bowl MVP award
Eli Manning is elite, for sure. A king of comebacks, too. And far, far more than Peyton’s little brother now.
- More Pro Headlines
-
Ex-Pirate Ludwick signs with Reds








