Things Are Heating Up for the Steelers!

Now that the NFL draft is over, the Pittsburgh Steelers are begining to prepare to defend their Super Bowl championship. MVP of Super Bowl XL, Hines Ward is leading by example and not resting on his laurels. Rookies have their names taped accross the front of their helmets during the first weeks of practice in the pre-season. Hines has decided to tape his name to the front of his helmet, taking nothing for granted "I'm not taking that tape off until I make the team," Ward said. "That's my new motivation. An attitude like that can be contageous and that may be what's needed to make another Super Bowl run

From what I'm hearing, the Steelers plan to let quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger open up the offense more, much like he did in the playoffs. By adding 1st round draft pick, Santonio Holmes, they'll try to replace Antwaan Randle El at wide receiver, who is one of the most exciting offensive players in the NFL. With the leadership of "the Bus", Jerome Bettis missing from the locker room and the field, Ben is expected to take a more active role. It looks like they are looking more to Veron Haynes than Duce Staley to take on the tough 3rd down rushing chores that Bettis used to handle. Veron is looking forward to a higher profile and maybe the opportunity to score more touchdowns.

On the defenive side, the Steelers may have stolen one of the best defensive lineman in the country, taken in the 4th round. Orien Harris of Miami, expected to go in the 1st round is apparently quite a find. The Steelers see Harris as a guy capable of playing both inside and outside in their 3-4. He has a lot of experience at a top program that's under constant pressure to win. He has good quickness and is tough to knock off his feet. In four seasons, he had 30 tackles-for-loss and 54 quarterback pressures, which proves he is individually disruptive. Just what the Steelers need, another disruptive player on defense! The Steelers filled the void left by Chris Hope in the secondary by signing free-agent safety Ryan Clark to a four-year contract. A four-year veteran, Clark played strong safety for the Redskins, but will line up at free safety in the Pittsburgh secondary, teaming with Pro Bowl strong safety Troy Polamalu.

This years Pittsburgh Steelers may have a few new faces, but it's sounds like they plan on playing the same hard-nose football we've come to expect in the Steel City. Here we go Steelers! That's Pittsburgh Steelers news and comment from the blogasphere.