by Bailey Brautigan

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a name for themselves as a dynasty in the NFL. With their six Super Bowl rings and a seemingly endless fanbase, there is no doubt that the Steel Curtain has had quite some time to take in the view from the top.

However, their 2009 season gave them their first bitter taste of mediocrity as they failed to make the NFL playoffs just a year removed from their latest Super Bowl victory. The Steelers ended the season with a record of just 9-7, and although it was not a losing season, it was still not enough to give the team a chance at a championship.

Many blame the seven losses on the absence of safety Troy Polamalu, but an entire season of second-rate football cannot be attributed to a single (defensive) player. The team struggled throughout 2009, even losing to the below-average Cleveland Browns, and Steelers fans are hoping to make up for their team’s lackluster performance during the 2010 season.

But we may be seeing a trend for the Black and Gold. Santonio Holmes is now with the New York Jets, and this new season may also prove to be a struggle. Even with other talented receivers in place, the first four regular season games against Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore will be difficult with the absence of star quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger was suspended for six games (four with good behavior) by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being charged with sexual assault. Though the charges were dropped, Goodell’s attempt to clean up the league left him with little choice but to sanction the Ohio-born quarterback.

The burning question is: Can the Steelers win without Roethlisberger?

While the Steelers have some talent in Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch, and Dennis Dixon, whichever quarterback is chosen to replace Roethlisberger will have his work cut out for him. Much training will need to take place for any of these three to play at a Roethlisberger-like level.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an average team at best, but Atlanta, Tennessee, and Baltimore will give the Steelers a run for their money.

If the team pulls together against the explosive Matt Ryan and can somehow get past Baltimore’s phenomenal defense, they may have a shot at another winning season.

But will the Steelers start their regular season 4-0 without Big Ben? Don’t bet on it.