Don't underestimate the Steelers. They're better than you think

I tuned into NFL Live a few days ago and heard one of the reporters, who's name will remain unspoken, completely dog the Pittsburgh Steelers. This made me realize that the team I consider the runner up for "America's Team" has already been written before training camp has even started. There is no way the Steelers are a six win team and I show you a few reasons why.

We know the Ravens' biggest rival has taken a few crucial roster hits on the offensive side. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, Willie Colon's injury and the Santonio Holmes trade will create a serious handicap for the offense. Three of the best players on that side of the field in the 2009 season will not be on the field for a significant part if not the whole season. The Steelers are going to have a hard time replacing Colon for the season and Roethlisberger's 4th quarter magic is virtually irreplaceable but replacing Holmes with second year wide receiver Mike Wallace is sensible and eminent especially if a coach is judging his ability to make plays by how he performed last season. He showed the quickness and playmaking ability that is necessary to become another piece to a passing game that already features Hines Ward and Heath Miller.

Beyond those setbacks, the Steelers are looking just as strong if not stronger than they were last season particularly on the defensive side. The almighty Troy Polomalu is returning from an injury. Yes Ravens fans, I am sorry to disappoint you but the dream killer of the 2009 AFC Championship game can be expected to return in full form and uplift a Steelers secondary that was at times last season uncharacteristically caught off guard.  His return in addition to the constantly disruptive pass rush mostly drawn up by Dick Lebeau and brought about by linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Wooodley will be responsible for this defense returning to its dominant form.

Do you remember week 12 of the 2009 season when the Ravens played the Steelers on Monday Night Football? Running back Willie Parker was of little impact, Roethlisberger and Troy Polomalu were holding down the sidelines and Dennis Dixon was the starting quarterback. Well what was the result of that game? Flacco was still sacked four times and the game became a serious overtime thriller even though everyone was expecting the Ravens to blow out that Steelers team.

The lesson here is we cannot underestimate any team in the NFL regardless of how bad they look on paper especially not the Steelers. Time and time again Ravens and Steelers teams that look unevenly matched have squared up on the field and left fans on the edge of their seats clueless as to who the victor will be. We can expect this again this season as long as both team carry the reputation as hard hitting don't bend don't break groups.