How Close We Are...

We are 16 days away from the start of the Preseason and only a matter of days away from the start of training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With that said, I am going to work on a series of these posts that break down every position on the football and who will be covering those positions for the Steelers this season, as well as providing my thoughts on the particular situations.

So.. let's get started, shall we?

I will start with the Offensive Backs.

___

Quarterback: A-



- 1) Ben Roethlisberger
2) Charlie Batch
3) Dennis Dixon

- If not for the Steelers drafting RB Rashard Mendenhall, the QB position would be the deapest on the team. Ben Roethlisberger rebounded in a big way last year by throwing for a Steelers franchise record 32 TD's. He also was a force at times in the running game as well.

- Charlie Batch filled in at the end of the season against Baltimore and almost led the 2nd team to a win. He threw for 2 TD's and 3 INT's. Not phenomenal stats but we all know that Chuck can lead the team if called upon.

- And for the Rookie. Dennis Dixon was on pace to win the Heisman Trophy for Oregon before he was injured. He has unbelievable athleticism. Most likely Dixon won't see a lot of action under center. But, with that kind of skills it wouldn't be surprising to see him on the field a few times this season.
___

Fullback: C-



- 1) Carey Davis

- The Dan Kreider era sadly and quietly came to an end this offseason and the position is now in the hands of Carey Davis. Kreider was always one of the most underrated players in the NFL, blocking for Jerome Bettis (5th Leading Rusher All-Time) and Willie Parker. But it appears as if the Fullback position in the NFL is becoming fazed out, as most teams are going with a double running back approach. With the additions of Mendanhall and Mewelde Moore to go along with Parker, don't expect to see a ton of Davis on the field, except for special teams situations.
___

Running Back: A



- 1) Willie Parker
2) Rashard Mendenhall
3) Mewelde Moore
4) Gary Russel

- Willie Parker was the NFL's leading rusher before his season ending broken leg. But reports say he is 100% now. With the additions of Moore and then Mendenhall, Parker won't have to carry as much of a load as he did last season, which will ultimately keep him healthy. Expect more big things in the running and passing game from Parker.

- Mendenhall's selection in the draft was one of the most questioned. A top 10 talent going into the draft, he mysteriously slipped all the was to 23rd, where the Steelers selected him. Mendenhall brings fantastic speed, power and the ability to change fields with the NFL's elite. Expect to see him on the field a good bit in passing situations.

- Moore was brought in to help out Parker, but now it appears that his role will be in the special teams as a returner and possibly in some passing situations.

- Russel is a good special teams talent for the Steelers and has always shined in the Preseason for the Steelers. He will only see action late in games if the Steelers are up big.

___

Tomorrow I will talk about the Wide Receivers and TIght Ends... Stay Tuned.