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.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2006 Schedule Kicks Off Against Miami

The defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers have released their 2006 season schedule. They open the season at Heinz field with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday September 7th at 8:30 pm. I hope their off season moves will be able to carry them to another championship. You can see the rest of the Steelers 2006 schedule at Steelers-Fan.com With Super Bowl XL behind us and a hand full of Super Bowl championship rings, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a rematch of the ,, game with the Denver Bronco on November 5th at Heinz Field. The pre-season schedule includes the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday August 12th followed by the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and ends with the Carolina Panthers. Even though it's more than 4 months until the first pre-season game, the release of the 2006 schedule marks the beginning of football fever. Steelers fans had a great 2005 and we're looking forward to more of the same in 2006. That's Pittsburgh Steelers news. Get the rest of the story.

Antwann Randle El Signs With The Washington Redskins!

Well, he's gone. The Pittsburgh Steelers quadruple threat wide receiver/quarterback/running back/kick returner, Antwann Randle El signed a 31 million dollar seven year contract to play for the Washington Redskins. Even with the raised salary cap the Steelers couldn't afford to meet an offer like that. Randle El, who some thought should have been MVP of Super Bowl XL, also turned down an offer from his hometown Chicago Bears. Now the the Steelers will probably plug recently acquired wide receiver, Cedric Wilson into the slot vacated by Randle El. The Steelers must also concentrate on keeping some other free agents likeBarrett Brooks OT, Brett Keisel LB, Charlie Batch QB, Chris Hope S, Clint Kriewaldt LB, DeShea Townsend CB, Jerame Tuman TE, Kimo von Oelhoffen DE, Quincy Morgan WR, Sean Morey WR, Verron Haynes RB RFA - Ike Taylor CB. That's Pittsburgh Steelers news.