Fearless Forecast
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Bucky BrooksMike Tomlin wants the Steelers to return to their running roots, but the lack of a franchise running back will force Ben Roethlisberger to shoulder the offensive load again in 2012.
Prediction: 9-7, third in AFC North -
Daniel JeremiahThe Steelers will be legitimate contenders as long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and Dick LeBeau is running the defense. However, a lot of moving parts need to come together on offense, and the older defensive stars must avoid injury.
Prediction: 8-8, third in AFC North -
Adam ScheinI'm very concerned about the offensive line, the health of Rashard Mendenhall, the happiness of Mike Wallace, whether or not Wallace will learn the new playbook and the dynamic between Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley.
Prediction: 8-8, third in AFC North -
Steve WycheThe Todd Haley-Ben Roethlisberger union will bear huge fruit. The Steelers' offense will ring up a lot of points and let the defense tee off.
Prediction: 11-5, second in AFC North
There is no one single player who will need to be better than this whole offensive line needs to be. Pouncey is at the center of things, because he's, well, the center. And because he's the best lineman, and because it will be on him to keep this unfortunately still-permeable line going. David DeCastro, the first of the two draft picks the Steelers spent on linemen, is already hurt. Ben Roethlisberger needs to stay upright, he needs to stay healthy and the Steelers have to protect better.
