By Magoo

NBC's new football annalist and ex Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis was recently quoted as saying...

''It's not the same team,'' said Bettis. ``So to expect them to come out the same way they ended last season, that would be asking a lot. It's going to be a work in progress. It's going to be very, very difficult for them to repeat.

``If you are the champs, everyone's gunning for you. They'll have their hands full.''

Jerome is trying his level best to be an analyst who does not come across as a homer. In reality he speaks the truth it is going to be difficult. The Steelers are quite aware what they are up against in 2006. Coach Cowher said this when asked if his team is as good now as they were in the Super Bowl...

''I guess time will tell,'' Cowher told reporters. ``I'm not one to assess a team on paper.

``You look at Miami, and a lot of people have picked them to win the Super Bowl because they are a very good football team. They've got a lot of the key elements, but the season has to play out. I don't know about this team. I'm not sure what our identity is going to be, how we'll be able to handle some of the challenges. We're certainly presented with one here at the first game. So I think it remains to be seen.''

For any one who knows Cowher and how he assesses his team this statement comes as no real surprise. As late as the 14th week of last season he was telling reporters the same thing. At the time, his team had a 7-5 record. The following Sunday against the Bears the Steelers began an eight game winning streak that climaxed in a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.

Now of course let us have a look at what some of the "experts" are saying...

Joe Theismann ESPN
 The Steelers are going to miss the strong play of retired running back Jerome Bettis in addition to not being able to count on QB Ben Roethlisberger for who knows how long a period of time. This is not looking good for the Steelers for obvious reasons. Without a strong running game and a quarterback who protects the ball, this team doesn't have the identity it has thrived on for the past two seasons. It's going to be incredibly difficult for the Steelers to do the things they need to do to win. I believe the offense will end up putting way too much pressure on the defense. 

Joe has been so way wrong in the past it is hard to view his opinion as truly an unbiased one, let alone a valid thought. First, I believe the Steelers will have a good running attack, and secondly... Hey, Joe... the Steelers were 2-0 with Charlie Batch calling the signals in Roethlisberger's absence last season. Their new identity will indeed be different, but it says here that the Steeler offense will be a better one than last years group. 

Adam Schein / FOXSports.com

The Steelers will be in the mix with their incredible and deep coaching staff. Head coach Bill Cowher, coordinators Ken Whisenhunt and Dick LeBeau, and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, are among the best at what they do. While I expect big things out of Willie Parker, I am very concerned about the depth at the running back position. You simply cannot bank on Duce Staley. And while I like Verron Haynes, he needs to prove himself to the coaching staff. I am also concerned about the lack of depth and talent at the receiver position and the age and lack of depth on the offensive line. However, I do expect Heath Miller to become a legit Pro Bowl candidate in 2006. The Pittsburgh defense will always keep them in playoff contention.   

This bonehead has the Steelers finishing the season in third place in the AFC North with an 8-8 record. Yes, he has the Ravens at 10-6 and off to the playoffs. What? Why are so many experts jumping on the Ravens bandwagon? Oh, that’s right, its Steve McNair. OK Adam, who would you rather have as your QB? Steve, 33 year old, 4-12 in 2005, McNair or Ben Roethlisberger?  I am not so sure he is truly an expert. 

True the Duce did nothing to dispel the criticism he has received recently but... uhm Adam, it’s Haynes who is the backup to Parker, --not Duce. Get it straight pal! It says here the faith the Steeler coaches have shown for Haynes will have its rewards. The last time I checked the Steelers offensive line has 2 Pro Bowl starters. If this O Line stays healthy... I promise, you will see Parker galloping for big chunks on a regular basis.

As for the wide receivers, it was a big deal this time last year when everyone thought that the Steelers receivers were a weak crew because the Plax man was in New York. Why does everybody discount Hines Ward? 

Additionally, why are so many of these guys choosing to ignore how dominant the Steeler defense is? This year, look for their overall experience, especially their nickel and dime packages, to play a big role in the teams success.

By Pete Prisco CBS Sportsline

Hold on, Pittsburgh. Don't spit your IC Light out or choke on that Primanti Brothers sandwich just yet -- although after tasting one last year, I could understand if you did.

The Steelers have earned the right to be at the top for now. But that means nothing come December and January. Topping the preseason Power Rankings is about as meaningful as a Paris Hilton celibacy vow. Yes, she made one.

Fact of the matter is, if I wanted to, I could continue this until we all puked. The consensus is that the Steelers will not repeat as the Super Bowl Champions.

Las Vegas odds makers currently have the Colts as the favorite at 11-2 odds. The Panthers and Patriots are tied for second on the list with 7-1. Next are the Steelers at 8-1.

To state the obvious all of this is purely speculation. So, allow me to do some speculating while we are at it. Buy the way, last season, I picked the Steelers to win all four post season games. 

In the past two years, the Steelers have a record (including the Playoffs) of 31-7. Last year they were a team that had its back against the wall and responded by winning out. That takes character! This was not an easy team for any player to make the final cut, as evidence the number of draft picks that did not make the 53-man roster. Sure there will be some ups and downs along the way, but the Steelers will make the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, with a healthy Ben Roethlisberger at the helm, my money will be on the Black and Gold. Just as they did last season the defense will be peaking in the post season. It would not surprise me one bit if they were the top ranked defensive unit in the NFL come playoff time. When it is all said and done, the Steelers will have threepeated at winning back-to-back Super Bowls.