This Really Is a Different Steelers Team

You've probably read a few articles this week that assume that some misguided person out there really thinks that this is a "rematch" of Super Bowl XL.

I don't about you, but I don't think that, and I don't know a single person who thinks that. If there's anyone out there who's anticipating that this is a chance for the Seahawks to exact a measure of revenge for losing the Super Bowl, please, reveal yourself, because I don't believe in you any more than I believe in Hanukkah Harry.

Obviously the players are different, the coaches are different, etc, etc, etc.

But here's one unexpected thing that's different. The Steelers offense.

The Steelers, remember, have had only three coaches since 1969, and under Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, the offense was pretty much standard--a power running game, featuring a large back--a role played in turn by Franco Harris (pictured in his final NFL season, as a Hawk), Merrill Hoge, Barry Foster, John L. Williams, and, most recently, Jerome Bettis.

But last year, after Bettis' departure, the Steelers didn't fill that role again. Instead, they started passing more. According to Pro Football Reference:

Steelers, Percentage of Runs on 1st Down
2005: 66% (1st in NFL)
2006: 54% (16th in NFL)

The Hawks also ran on first down 54% of the time last year. So the Steelers threw as much as the Hawks on first down last year? That's crazy.

I wasn't able to find any statistics on first down runs this year. The Steelers are 2nd in the NFL in rushing attempts, but they've also won three blowouts, so that's not a very good measure. I think it's worth assuming that you'll see more passing out of the Steelers this year.

Which is good news for the Hawks. Our secondary is a strength this year. AND, the Steelers' top receiver, Hines Ward (who was also the Super Bowl XL MVP), is out for the game with a sprained knee.