Dan Pompei

Some things changed in Pittsburgh last season. The Steelers had a new head coach in Mike Tomlin, and a new offensive philosophy.

But some things did not change in Pittsburgh last season. The Steelers still played great defense (they led the league in yards allowed), and they won the AFC North for the fifth time in seven years.

The Steelers are hoping not too much changes this year.

One of the things the Steelers have proved adept at is adapting. Almost every year, they lose a good starter or two. And almost every year they seem to find a way to either offset that player's production or replace him with a like player.

Last year, it was James Harrison who stepped up. The linebacker was starting for the first time in place of Joey Porter, and he led the team with 8.5 sacks, was named team MVP and started in the Pro Bowl.

This year, the Steelers will be trying to replace Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca, who went to the Jets as a free agent, and linebacker Clark Haggans, who left for the Cardinals.

In Faneca's place will be Chris Kemoeatu, a third year player the team drafted in the sixth round in 2005. He has started only two games in his career, but has shown flashes in spot duty.

Replacing Haggans will be LaMarr Woodley, the team's second round pick last season. Woodley had a great training camp and preseason as a rookie, but then tailed off because of injury. He still finished the year with six sacks including postseason games, and he should have many more chances to get to the quarterback this season.

For the Steelers to continue to play at the level their fans have become accustomed to, Kemoeatu and Woodley probably will have to develop into productive starters quickly.

Hot seat
Ben Roethlisberger is coming off arguably the best season by a Steelers quarterback in history. He threw a team record 32 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl. In the offseason, the Steelers signed Roethlisberger to an eight-year contract extension that could be worth $102 million.

Now, Roethlisberger is one of the game's highest paid players. And he will be expected to perform like one. If he regresses and plays like he did in 2006, the Pittsburghers will not be happy.

Overheard at camp
Troy Polamalu is one of the best safeties in football, but he didn't show it last season. Polamalu had no sacks and no interceptions, but he did have a knee injury, a rib injury and an abdominal muscle pull.

In order to get back on track, the Steelers safety decided to train on his own in California in the offseason, away from the team. Polamalu trained with the Steelers during the 2006 and 2007 offseasons, but he felt he derived more from working with personal trainer Marv Marinovich.

Tomlin gave Polamalu his blessing to be away from the team. Now all Polamalu has to do is prove his workout routine was beneficial.

Comings and goings
The Steelers signed free agent running back Mewelde Moore and used their first round pick on running back Rashard Mendenhall, giving them the deepest group of runners in the league. Starter Willie Parker rushed for 1,316 yards last year.

It will be interesting to see how the Steelers integrate Mendenhall into their game plans. Moore might not see much action on offense, but he can at least contribute as a return man.

Prediction
This clearly is a team that knows how to transition. And this clearly is a team that knows how to win. From ownership to front office to coaches to players to ball boys, the Steelers do it right.

So unless something unforeseen and calamitous befalls the Steelers, expect them to be contenders. As usual. They have a nice combination of solid defense, a potentially dominating running game and above average quarterback play.

They won 10 a year ago and could easily win more this year.

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