What ails the Steelers? I’m not sure but here are a few ideas:

Team Chemistry
There has been a lot of squabbling on this team. Even Hines Ward went to the media to complain about Ben Roethlisberger missing a game due to a concussion. That type of squabbling can unravel a team in a blink of an eye.

Bad Coaching
Mike Tomlin was seen as a great coach last season after leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory. But this year, he’s been second-guessed a lot. He also doesn’t seem to have a very strong control of his team at the moment.

Troy Polamalu Injury
We all knew Troy Polamalu was good. But could he be this good? He might. His enthusiasm is contagious and without him, the Steelers seem to go through the motions.

Super Bowl Hangover
Even when the Steelers were 6-2 this season, they weren’t nearly as dominant as last season. Even in the midst of a six-game losing streak, the sense of urgency is invisible.

Big Ben and the Steelers suck right now (Image: Zuma Press)

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What is Wrong with the Steelers?

If Roethlisberger can’t play, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in a lot of trouble. Not only would they be missing their starting quarterback, but their backup quarterback (Charlie Batch) will miss the game due to a wrist injury. That would leave Dennis Dixon as the starting quarterback.

Considering that the Steelers really need a win this weekend, I fully expect Big Ben to play. He has proven to be a warrior in the past and he’ll be a warrior again. The news that Big Ben might sit out is probably a bit of gamesmanship by the Steelers in an effort to confuse the Baltimore Ravens as much as possible.

As it stands, the Steelers still have to be considered Super Bowl contenders. When they are healthy and hitting on all cylinders, they are one of the best teams in the NFL. But if they are injured — especially if Big Ben is injured — they are definitely vulnerable.

Ben Roethlisberger will likely do what it takes to play (Image: Zuma Press)

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Will Big Ben Play Following Concussion?

On the season, Parker has 159 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards and one touchdown. Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Parker had 93 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards and a touchdown.

If Parker can’t go on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, the Steelers will turn the starting running back job over to Rashard Mendenhall. The second year back was a first round draft pick last season but hasn’t lived up to expectations. This could be Mendenhall’s chance to prove he was worth the Steelers’ investment.

Also, expect to see a lot of Mewelde Moore. Though Moore usually just gets third-down opportunities, he’ll likely see more action throughout the game.

Willie Parker - Pittsburgh Steelers (Image: Zuma Press)

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Willie Parker Injury Update – Turf Toe

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Although their running game needs some work, the Steelers looked strong in Week 1 and should be considered the favorites for the time being.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Donovan McNabb injury is worrisome but the Eagles were scary good to begin the 2009 NFL season as they dismantled the Panthers.

3. New York Giants
The Giants looked strong and Eli Manning appears to have enough receiving options to make things work this season.

4. New England Patriots
Almost losing to the Bills wasn’t a great way to begin the season but this team is talented, deep and has Super Bowl experience.

5. Minnesota Vikings
If Adrian Peterson can keep running like he did in Week 1 and Brett Favre plays smart, this squad has very high potential.

Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson make a good team (Image: Zuma Press)

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Week 2 NFL Power Rankings 2009

To send the Steelers to a 1-0 start, Jeff Reed nailed a 33-yard field goal less than five minutes into overtime. Reed was 2-for-2 on field goals for the game, while Titans kick Rob Bironas hit only one of his three attempts.

Offensively, the Steelers got only 33 rushing yards from their running backs on 22 carries. Roethlisberger, on the other hand, was dominant at times. He finished the contest 33-for-43 for 363 passing yards and one interception. The only blemish on his statistical line were two interception.

Santonio Holmes led Pittburgh’s receivers with nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Hines Ward had eight catches for 103 yards, however he had a fumble late in regulation that gave the Titans life.

For Tennessee, Kerry Collins had 244 yards passing and one touchdown — a 14-yard strike to Justin Gage. Gage finished with seven catches for 78 yards, while rookie Kenny Britt had four catches for 85 yards. The running game was relatively quiet, with Chris Johnson going for 57 yards on 15 carries against the stout Steelers defense.

In Week 2, the Steelers travel to Chicago to play the Bears, while the Titans go home to play the Houston Texans.

Ben Roethlisberger Led the Steelers to Victory (Image: Zuma Press)

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Steelers Top Titans to Start 2009 NFL Season

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The reigning Super Bowl champions return a very stacked team that has a chance to go back-to-back.

2. New England Patriots
With Tom Brady back in control, the Patriots will be good as long as their defense holds up.

3. New York Giants
The loss of Plaxico Burress hurts but Eli Manning and the Giants know how to win.

4. San Diego Chargers
This team has a lot of drama but when clicking on all cylinders, they can beat anybody.

5. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning will have to carry a big load this year but, unlike last year, he’s healthy.

6. Philadelphia Eagles
As long as Michael Vick fits in smoothly, the Eagles will be dangerous on both sides of the ball.

7. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are young and unafraid — a combination that could serve them well this season.

8. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were good before Brett Favre. Now they could be great.

9. Tennessee Titans
The loss of Albert Haynesworth hurts but the Titans should be a top ten team again.

10. Arizona Cardinals
They made the Super Bowl last year and if Kurt Warner stays healthy they could go back again.

Can Peyton Manning Carry the Colts? (Image: Zuma Press)

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NFL Power Rankings – September Edition

For the Steelers, they were able to keep their squad pretty much the same. On offense, Ben Roethlisberger is the quarterback and Willie Parker is the running back. The wide receivers are still Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. The only difference is that backup running back Rashard Mendenhall may get more touches this year.

Defensively, the Steelers also bring back mostly the same unit. After their dominant defensive performance last year, much of the same is expected in 2009.

For the Titans, things are a little bit more different. The offense still is run by Kerry Collins, however second year running back Chris Johnson will likely see a lot more carries this year. Justin Gage is still a wide receiver option, however expect to see a lot more of Nate Washington and Kenny Britt this season.

Defense is where Tennessee is very different — and for one big reason. This offseason, the Titans lost Albert Haynesworth to the Washington Redskins. Haynesworth was the team’s best player and they’ll need to find a way to compensate to remain a quality defensive team.

As for Thursday, the Steelers have to be the favorite. They are at home and they showed last year that they are the best team on the planet. For the Titans to win, they’ll need to be productive on the ground and their defense will need to prove that the loss of Haynesworth isn’t as devastating as it appears to be on paper.

Can the Steelers remain on top? (Image: Zuma Press)

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Titans vs. Steelers – Opening Game Preview

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the reigning Super Bowl champions and did nothing in the offseason to hurt their chances. As long as this team stays healthy and focus, sky is the limit.

2. New England Patriots
Another season, another very good year forthcoming for the Patriots. Tom Brady is back and both sides of the ball are very strong. As long as the offense finds a running back, they should flow.

3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had a lot of offseason losses but Peyton Manning is still around and he’ll make sure that this team stays on course. This is the year where Reggie Wayne could emerge as a superstar.

4. New York Giants
Eli Manning has a giant contract to go along with a Super Bowl championship ring. However, without Plaxico Burress, Manning is going to have to find a new favorite target.

5. San Diego Chargers
This season, the Chargers are either going to boom or bust. Their fate will depend a lot of LaDainian Tomlinson and the overall health of their defensive unit.

Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts (Image: Newscom)

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NFL Power Rankings – August Edition

The 26-year-old who played college football at Virginia has steadily improved in his career. Last season, Miller played in 14 games and had 48 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns. In each of his four seasons, he has improved his receptions from the previous season.

When Miller isn’t catching passes, he’s regarded as an above average blocking tight end. But there’s no doubt that his ability to catch the ball is his best asset — and that’s exactly why he’s become a Ben Roethlisberger favorite.

As the Steelers try to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships next season, they’ll need Miller to continue improving his play.

Heath Miller - Pittsburgh Steelers Extension (Image: Zuma Press)

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Heath Miller Gets Extension from Steelers

Kris Brown - Houston Texans (Image: Zuma Press)

Out of the $10 million, about one-fourth of the money is guaranteed. The deal makes sense for the Texans because Brown has emerged as one of the better kickers in the NFL.

Last season, Brown connected on 87.9% of his field goal attempts — 29-of-33. The 29 field goals made were the most he’s ever had with the Texans. His career-high is the 30 he had with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2001 season.

For his career, which spans back to 1999, Brown has hit 231-of-294 field goals for 78.6%. He’s also connected on 304-of-310 extra point attempts. While with the Texans, Brown has nailed 208-of-209 extra point attempts.

With the Texans likely to have a high-powered offense in the 2009 NFL season, Brown will likely be plenty busy.

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Texans’ Kris Brown Gets Extension