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October 7, 2008

Eric Knopsnyder | Steelers thrive despite woes

By ERIC KNOPSNYDER The Tribune-Democrat Tue Oct 07, 2008, 12:15 AM EDT

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.

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