The Steelers learned when Troy Polamalu went down with a knee injury last season what one player can mean to a team. Now the Steelers will start this season with an absence that's even more conspicuous.
In April, the NFL suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the first six games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Although he is allowed to participate in training camp, Roethlisberger will have to step aside and hand over the offense — probably to Byron Leftwich — when the season starts.
That means the Ravens (Week 4) and the Browns (Week 6) will be able to get their games at Pittsburgh out of the way with a backup quarterback at the helm for the Steelers.
It's a disappointing mess for one of the league's proudest franchises, one that also dealt talented but trouble-prone receiver Santonio Holmes to the Jets this offseason for a mere fifth-round pick.
The AFC North is among the toughest divisions. And for the team that has won two of the past five Super Bowls, it isn't getting any easier.
CincinnatiBengals
Can the Bengals break their 28-year streak of failing to make the playoffs two years in a row? Can the offensive line do a better job of protecting Carson Palmer? How will Palmer benefit from having a big target over the middle in Jermaine Gresham? Can Antonio Bryant do what Laveranues Coles could not — pan out at receiver?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Thursday in Georgetown, Ky.
Baltimore Ravens
Does Anquan Boldin give the Ravens the target they need? Baltimore didn't draft a cornerback, so the weight of expectation is on Lardarius Webb, who's coming off a knee injury. Will he be a difference maker? Can defensive tackle Terrence Cody pair with Haloti Ngata to wreak havoc in the middle?
•ROOKIES: Monday.
•VETERANS: Wednesday in Westminster, Md.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Could losing Ben Roethlisberger for the start of the season actually help the Steelers jell as a team? What happens if, say, Byron Leftwich is rolling when Big Ben is ready to come back? Will the Steelers defense start showing its age? What happened to
those old dominating offensive lines in Pittsburgh?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Latrobe, Pa.
Cleveland Browns
Can the Browns change their fortunes? They're definitely trying, with new president Mike Holmgren, new general manager Tom Heckert, three new quarterbacks, new running backs and a retooled defensive backfield. Can quarterback Jake Delhomme return to the form he once enjoyed in Carolina?
•ROOKIES:
July 23.
•VETERANS: Friday in Berea, Ohio.