What do you expect from Ben Roethlisberger's fifth season?

 Heading into his fifth season in the NFL, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is drawing praise as a team leader as well as a star QB [ read story] . What are your expections for Roethlisberger this season?

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 Ben has come a long way since he arrived in Steel Town.  I vividly remember the draft and the announcement.  I was excited then as I am now several years later.  I think that Ben was and still is the real deal.  He is everything we needed as a quarterback and it has proven to be an excelent choice.  During the Super Bowl run nobody knew just how good Big Ben could be.  What is the cliche, he was just asked to manage the games and not make big mistakes.  Now, he is asked to do so much more.  A year removed from havig been given the opportunity to call the plays and blocking shemes and putting up some career numbers he has reached an all new level.  So, what is expected of Big Ben and this years 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, well to be honest a lot!  We Steeler fans expect to be in the hunt every year and why should it be different this year?  Well, outside of having the most brutal schedule in the NFL it will require that Big Ben play the best football of his life.  The line is not your typical Steeler line that is blowing up defenders and making space for Jerome Bettis to run through...No sir not this bunch.  I beleive that the Steelers are evolving with their offense under Coach Arains and playing into Big Ben's strengths.  I think that Ben will put up some absolutely awesome numbers with the 4 and 5 receiver sets.  I think that Parker and Mendenhall will be key to the over all success but we go as Big Ben goes so who is kidding who here.  I see Big Ben throwing at least 24 TD passess this year and the team MVP.  I also think that he will represent the team in the pro bowl but it's what happens before all of that which matters most.  Big Ben will surprise many yet again and lead this team into the playoffs regardless of the schedule, where we play and under what types of conditions.  Big Ben, know this that we Steelers Faithful are behind you 100% and regardless of what happens we will be there for you.  Good luck!

Ben will end his 5th season with a broken neck, busted ribs, separted shoulder and blown knees if someone doesn't FIRE ARIANS and correct that offensive line!

 missing fhe Playoffs?

 Man, how on was I when I wrote this one?  I knew it... 

Now come 2010 season, I expect a little different!  I think that Big Ben wil put up some solid numbers however, i think that the team will make a stronger effort to run the ball.  I think the offense will still throw the ball plenty and receivers like Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace and even heath Miller will still have solid seasons.  I beleive that Rashard Mendenhall should become a more vital part of the offense.  He is big, strong and has all the right moves!  He will be a solid 1000 yard rusher every year given the touches.  2010 will see the end of Fast Willy Parker who will land on another team because Mendenahall is that good!  Mike Tomlin like many of us will have time to REFLECT and when you reflect you see all the errors of your ways.  As a coach myself, we sometimess miss things or get too comfortable not that Tomlin did this but I think he has to once again get his arms around it all.  Looking back at 2009 lets face it our once stoudt "D" faltered!  Sure we had a lot of injuries with Aaron Smith and Troy out but it was the same team that in 2008 won the Super Bowl in Tampa!  The Defense played well at times but it was not the same team that in 2008 when it had a lead never gave it up.  In 2009, the defense was far from what we Steeler fans know it could be.  Nothing against Dick LeBeau as he continues to be a great coach for the Steelers!  It was all on the shoulders of the guys on the field.  Harrison had an off year, Woodley started slow but came on strong and the D line without Aaron Smith slipped.  The secondary which last year was lights out gave up too many big plays!  The offense led by Big Ben put up huge numbers but at the end of the day its the "W" that matters most!  I think that james harrison said it best when he said that too many players were playing as individuals! This is not Steeler football!  The Offense needs to make some adjustments and make a stronger commitment to the run.  The Steelers need to look at the running game and also look at a real fullback on not a hybrid H back ot TE.  So, lets talk 2010 draft a bit. 

The Steelers have the 18th pick in the draft!  Surely, we have some age issues to address on the D line.  There has been some talk of going back to the 4-3 but I dont' think this is the answer.  Ziggy Hood will become an asset to the team and may have a chance to crack the starting line up in 2010 but that is yet to be seen.  How much gas do Kielsel, Smith have?  Will hampton be back in the Black and Gold?  Lots of questions here!  As stated before on the offense, the need for a true Full Back is there!  If Willy Parker leaves, we should address the back up spot immediately via free agnecy if needed.  No disrespect to Mewelde Moore but he is a sitiuatinal back and 3rd down specialist out of the backfield and does need to stay on board.  Behind Mendenhall what do we have left?  Not a whole lot and rather than spend the pick on a RB, we could address in free agency.  I know...The Steelers have never been big on spedning the funds on free agents but the window of opportunity is now.  We are not a rebuilding team and we have what it takes to win now.

For the record, Im glad that Bruce Arians is coming back.  I think he has something to prove but more importantly, when teams change schemes or philosophies, the QB's are the ones that suffer the most.  Big Ben had a career year!  He will continue to put up numbers but we need the "W" every Sunday.  The Defense knows they blew it this season!  Losses to the BROWNS, CHIEFS and the RAIDERS of all teams are hard to swallow!  This will surely serve as fuel for 2010 because as Steelers fans, we don't forget and we will remind the guys every chance we get.  Losing twice to the BENGALS was lets say an insult!  Lets not take nothing away from the Bengals...They were very much improved and they won both games but those were winnable games for us.  The fact the Steelers did not make the playoff's after a Super Bowl for the 2nd time in 4 years hurts!  Mike Tomlin will make the necessary changes and adjustments.  I believe in him and I know that the Steelers will be in the hunt for the 7th Lombardi Trophy in 2010. 

I expect Ben to have one of his best years again with a better offensive line and they will be in shape for next season, even Casey if he's still around.