They came out gunning in game one Titans (can't find a way to win), passing for 363 yards. Since then they choked against da Bears with Jeff Reed missing two, fourth quarter field goals. Then, on Sunday they let an underrated Bengals squad drive 71 yards on 14 plays. The last drive heroics were led by a rejuvenated Carson Palmer and a second effort on a fourth down by Brian Leonard, handing Roethlisberger his first loss to of his career in Cincinnati. If the Steelers want to turn it around they need to get the running game going, they currently rank 27th in the league in rushing yards averaging only 81.0 yards a game and at a very poor, 3.3 yards per carry. It seems like Willie Parker has lost a step or two over the offseason, and Rashard Mendenhall (didn't see a lot of carries week 3). They are relying on big Ben to carry the load, averaging 7.9 yards per completion. Opposing defenses have concentrated primarily on the pass. The offensive line has allowed 7 sacks through 3 games.
The receiving core is led by Hines Ward (18 receptions for 242 yards) and Santonio Holmes (15 receptions for 232 yards and 1 touchdown) who is the most productive WR on the Steelers as a fantasy player. Limas Sweed, who was a stud at the University of Texas has yet to develop and had a key drop which would have been a key touchdown in the Steelers week 3 loss. However, Mike Wallace (2009 3rd round pick) has 12 receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown. This kid can flat out fly, we believe this kid will emerge as the deep threat and put up solid #-two or #-three fantasy wide out numbers. Consider picking up Wallace in deeper fantasy leagues, assuming the Steelers will continue to rely on throwing the ball. Once Troy Polamalu comes back from his current injury, we think the Steelers will turn things around. When Polamalu gets back will it be too late? The Steelers have a soft schedule coming up against the Chargers, the Lions, then hapless Browns. We think the Steelers could go 3-0 in their next 3 games. Like we said earlier, consider picking up Wallace, and try to make a trade for Willie Parker, it is sensible (cont. reading). You should be able to get Parker on the cheap. We think he is going to explode in the next three weeks, considering he plays the Chargers (allowing 142.3 yds. rushing/game), Lions (allowing 113.3 yds. rushing/game), and Browns (allowing 184.3 yds. rushing/game) . We think Parker will be a solid fantasy start the next three weeks, and that the Steelers will turn around their season.
