Last January’s home loss in the AFC Title game, the fourth such occurrence under HC Bill Cowher, took the luster off an otherwise magical season in Pttisburgh, as the franchise won a record 15 regular season games. All of the last 14 in a row came under the direction of rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger, who played with the poise of a 10-year veteran for most of the year. Unfortunately, some of that disappeared in the postseason, as he, along with the rest of the team, struggled. They barely survived the divisional round game vs. the Jets and were then lambasted by New England in the following week. Still, there was a lot for Cowher to be pleased about when analyzing the season as a whole. His Steelers executed his smash mouth mentality to perfection, finishing 2nd in the NFL in rushing, and 1st in total defense. RB Jerome Bettis had a huge season, particularly when free agent pickup Duce Staley went down, reaching the end zone 13 times. LB James Farrior, voted the team MVP, turned in an awesome year as well.

The 2005 Steelers must make a due without two of the most visible performers in recent Pittsburgh history, as both WR Plaxico Burress and LB Kendrell Bell depart via free agency. There were very few additions made to the roster and other than WR Cedric Wilson from San Francisco, those were made by way of the draft. First round pick TE Heath Miller should become a favorite target of Roethlisberger in this offense for years to come. That unit will also be bolstered by the return of Staley, who is apparently back at full strength after missing several games with a hamstring injury.

There has long been a fear that Cowher’s conservative nature would never enable this franchise to reach the next level, and those concerns were only exacerbated by the 2004 events. It could be awhile before this franchise gets a better opportunity to return to Super Bowl glory again. Plus, the Steelers historically haven’t responded well to the role of favorite. Expect a decline in 2005, as both Baltimore and Cincinnati figure to challenge them for the AFC North title.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating: 27(4 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (17 toughest of 32

2004:(SU 16-2)(ATS 11-7) )

L3 years:(SU 33-18-1)(ATS 25-26-1)

Coach Bill Cowher: (SU 138-86-1) (ATS 116-100-9)

Trends by month

September

Pittsburgh 13-5 ATS against Tennessee at home (9/11)

Steelers 1-12-1 ATS off a non-AFC Central foe in Sept. (9/18)

With revenge Pittsburgh is 2-10-1 ATS vs. non-division in Sept.(9/25)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October

Pittsburgh 17-2-1 ATS in October

Chargers suffer against Steelers with 1-9 ATS mark (10/10)

Steelers 9-1 ATS at home on MNF (10/31)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November

Pittsburgh 18-6 ATS as visitor off home division win (? 11/6)

Ravens 1-6-1 ATS home vs. Pittsburgh (11/20)

Steelers 15-6 on MNF and 6-2 against spread vs. Indy (11/28)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December

Pittsburgh 1-9 ATS as "chalk" vs. NFC North (12/11)

Steelers 11-2 ATS on the road off 2 straight home wins (? 12/18)

Coach Cowher 11-2 ATS last home game (1/1)

Top Teaser Angle:

Pittsburgh is 43-5 against 6-pt. teaser in road game off division contest.

Top Money Line Angle:

Pittsburgh is 14-0 (+14.55 units) against ML in home game off DD road win.

Top Totals Angle:

Pittsburgh is 13-2 OVER in home games where total is 35.5-42 points.

Pre-Season O/U wins:

UNDER 10.5 -125 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Jeff Reed

Fantasy Player Bust: Jerome Bettis